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arietta & Cincinnati Railroad. 



aiST THE XiII53-E OIF THE 



PUBLISHED BY 

NELSON & BOLLES, 

76 West Third Street, Cincinnati, 0. 





ROYAL 

Insurance Company, of Liverpool. 



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£ 



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STATEMENT OF ASSETS, JAN. I, 1874. 

United States Bonds 

Alabama 8 per cent. Bonds 

Cash deposited in Bank in New York 

Interest due and accrued 

Balances in hands of General Agents in the United States and in bank 



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$1,429,897 50 

5,000 00 

70,636 75 

32,674 93 

289,774 90 



Total Assets in the United States $1,827,984 08 

Cash deposited in Banks in Liverpool and London 527,702 46 

Cash in Company's principal ofiBce 5,325 97 

Real Estate owned by the Compauy 1,058,528 58 

English Railway Stocks and Shares, British, Indian and Colonial Securi- 
ties owned by the Company 4,629,472 57 

Loans to Towns, Townships, Corporations, Loans on other English Secu- 
rities, Bonds and Mortgages 5,709,394 98 

Balances in hands of European Agents 110,270 96 

Cash Assets $13,868,679 60 

Subscribed Capital (in addition to the above) 8,554,525 00 

Total $22,423,204 60 



The stockholders of the Royal Insurance Company are individually liable 

to the full extent of their private fortunes for the debts of the Compauy. 



CINCINNATI AGENCY ESTABLISHED 1852. 



All Losses of this Department raid by us tvUhout 
reference to Liverpool or elsewhere. 



JOHN S. LAW & SON, Managers, 

CINCINNATI GENERAL AGENCY, 

No. 69 W. Third St., bet. Walnut & Vine. 



Suburban Homes 



BUSINESS MEN, 



ON THE LINE OF THE 



Marietta Railroad, 



A Description of the North-eastern Suburbs, 



THE SCENERY, SOIL, COST OF PROPERTY, CONVENIENCES OF LIVING, 
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES. 



By mCHARD NELSON. 



5^^^ 






PUBLISHED BY 

NELSON & BOLLES, 

L.AND AGENTS AND NOTE BROKERS, 

76 West Third St., Cincinnati. 






^^' v 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874. 

By NELSON & BOLLES, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C, 



INTRODUCTION 



The object of this publication, is to direct the attention of 
citizens desirous of securing country homes, to the great 
amount of land awaiting occupation in the North-eastern 
Suburbs, including Loveland. The recent improvements on 
the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, have made these su- 
burbs easily accessible, and the beautiful and healthy country, 
cheap land and low rates of travel, will, when known, attract 
a large amount of capital and induce rapid settlement. 

To aid the citizen and capitalist to profitably locate, we 
have given a description of the scenery from various points 
along the road, the soil, the atmosphere, topography and ele- 
vations ; the statistics of the churches, schools and societies ; 
the cost of land, building material, fuel, food and labor; 
monthly fiire and freiglit, and referred to the drives, fishing 
and skating grounds. 

For this information we are indebted to residents in the 
various villages along the road, but more especially to the 
following gentlemen: W. W. Peabod}^, Superintendent of 
the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, C. A. Partridge, of the 
Cincinnati Gazette, G. W. Black, at the Court House, and 
H. B. Turrell, of Pleasant Ridge. We are\lso under obliga- 
tions to our tidented artist, Mr. W. R. McComas, who has 
given so much satisfaction to our subscribers 

Montgomery, July, 1871:. 



INDEX 



VAOS. 



Cincinnati • ^ 

Spring Grove Cemetery 16 

Winton Place 18 

Ludlow Grove 19 

St. Bernard 20 

Bond Hill 21 

Norwood 27 

Norwood Heights 30 

Pleasant Kidge 35 

Oakley ^2 

Madisonville ^2 

Indian Hill 70 

Madeira -^ '1 

Allandale ^3 

Osero ^ 

Montgomery °" 

Remington — 1^^ 

Symmes Station— Branch Hill 1^7 

Branch Hill ^ 10 

Loveland 113 

The Science of Real Estate Business 130 

The Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad 142 

Advantages of Suburban Life 143 



CINCINNATI. 



It is generally conceded, that for beauty of scenery, salu- 
brity of climate, and adaptation to the purposes of commerce 
and manufactures, Cincinnati, as a city, stands unrivaled. 
Located in an extensive agricultural region, and fronting on 
one of the greatest rivers known to commerce, her mer- 
chants receive and distribute merchandise over an area of 
thousands of miles, while her supply of fuel and material 
enables her manufacturers to compete with the older cities 
of America and Europe. Nor is she more distinguished for 
her commerce and manufactures, than for her facilities for 
maintaining a healthy population.. The most densely popu- 
lated of American cities she is the most healthy. Protected 
from the severity of Avinter storms by surrounding hills, pos- 
sessing an unlimited supply of pure river water, and having 
a surface the best adapted for drainage, her inhabitants enjoy 
more of the conditions for health and longevity than fall to 
the lot of denizens of any other commercial and manufac- 
turing city in the world. 

Thus favored, we can account for the unparalleled growth 
in population and wealth of this 

qup:en of the west, 

Which, in 1800, was a village of only 780 inhabitants, and in 
1870, was with its dependencies, a great city of 300,000 popu- 
lation, representing property to the amount of $255,000,000. 
So rapid has been her growth and development, she has ab- 
sorbed her immediately available building property, before 
her citizens are conscious of the fact. Business and manu- 



6 Suburban Homes. 

factures have compelled a large portion of her resident i^opu- 
lation to take refuge in the cities of Newport and Covington, 
and have pressed the balance several squares back from the 
river front, and are rapidly supplanting it on all the leading 
thoroughfares. Families have betaken themselves to the 
slopes ; houses are climbing the steep acclivities, while not a 
few enterprising pioneers have scaled the heights, and others 
made the pilgrimage of Mill creek valley, only to find them- 
selves again embraced within the limits of the rapidly ad- 
vancing city. Despite the stagnation of trade, the unjust 
discrimination of transportation companies, and the extraor- 
dinary efforts of rival cities to possess her trade, property in 
Cincinnati continues to advance, while the commutation pas- 
senger trade has acquired an impetus that nothing can check. 
In short, the city is already occupied, and already our more 
enterprising business men have taken lessons of those of 
New York city, and are fast learning to occupy the suburbs. 
But if it is now so overcrowded, what will be its condition 
on the completion of 

THE CINCINNATI SOUTHERN RAILROAD? 
The Louisville CommerGial of a late date says : 

" We fear the legislative provisions requiring the Cincinnati Southern road 
to carry freight and passengers at the same rates for connecting lines as for the 
main trunk, and the fact that it will form, with our roads which lap it a 
shorter route for Louisville than for Cincinnati, have blinded our people to 
the real danger that menaces her by its building. There is a danger which 
true courage will not underestimate, but look in the face and conquer if possible. 
Let us, then, calmly consider the direct and incontrovertible effect of the now 
certain construction of this great Southern line. Starting at Cincinnati, it 
passes through seven successive counties in the very heart of our State, and 
right through our very best coal field, crossing the Cumberland river at the 
mouth ot the south fork, in the midst of the very choicest iron making coals 
of Kentucky, and her richest lumber and iron ore region, and pushing south- 
ward further it taps the vast coal center and iron region of Tennessee, Ala- 
bama, and Georgia, at Chattanooga, thus invading the mineral and lumber 
magazines of the South. 

This road will drain a belt at least ten miles wide on either tride for its en- 
tire length— it would be probably nearer the mark to say that with its branches 
it will drain twenty miles on either side— and whither Avill it carry this trade? 
Let every citizen here a^-k himself this question. There can be no doubt that, 



Suburban ^omes. 



notwithstanding our best efforts, the bullc of this trade will go to Cincinnati 
We entreat our fellow citizens to listen to these words from across the Atlantic^ 
and then estimate the prize for which Cincinnati is playing. 

The London Daily Advertiser says: 

' The coal fields of Alabama alone are calculated to yield thirty-two bil- 
lions five hundred millions (32,500,000,000) tons! More than enough to 
supply the entire world, at the present rate of consumption, for two thousand 
(2,000) years! The brown hematite ores in the north-west of the State, in 
juxtaposition with the pure, hard bituminous coals of the Warrior field, and 
the red and brown hematites of Central Alabama, adjacent to the Cahaba 
coal, justifies the prediction that this State alone will in the future produce an- 
nually more iron than is now made in England, Scotland, and Wales com- 
bined, and at less cost. Tennessee has more coal than Alabama, with iron ore 
in close proximity, superior in quality and inexhaustible in quantity. Ken- 
tucky and Virginia each have more coal than Tennessee find Alabama together, 
and more than England, Wales, and Scotland ever had ! and a larger area 
of coal than the great coal producing State of Pennsylvania, while their ores 
are rich and abundant.' 

"How wise and far seeing was it in Cincinnati to project her Southern Rail- 
road into this incalculably rich region, and offer her own subscription of ten 
millions of dollars toward its construction ! * It is,' it continues, ' The Most 
Magnificent Pkize that any City ever Attempted to Win' * * 

" Already a part of our Southern trade passes us by and reaches Cincinnati. 
We must not hide the effect of the building of this arterial railroad on our 
interests, but try to protect ourselves by prompt action. Let us observe, fur- 
ther, that along the trade belt of this road immigration will swarm. Germans, 
Irish, Welsh, Scotch, will push southward through Cincinnati, and the pro- 
ducts of their labor will reach that city by direct and cheap transportation. 
All the arrangements are complete to insure immigration over the lines pass- 
ing into Cincinnati." 

Referring to the recent contract between the Baltimore & 
Ohio and the Union Pacific Raih'oacI Companies, it shows that 
Cincinnati IS on the Line of Trade and Travel between the East 
AND THE Far West, and consequently between Europe and China 
and Japan. 

" The Baltimore & Ohio Eailroad Company now controls exclusively the 
vast trade passing East and West, to and from California, by the Pacific Rail- 
road, and it all passes through Cincinnati. Are our people aware of this 
startling fact? Merchandise and passengers are now shipped by steamer from 
New York to Baltimore, there transferred to special fast trains on the Balti- 
more & Ohio Railroad, and forwarded to California and all intermediate 
points, via Cincinnati ! AVhat a combination is here in favor of that city to 
insure her cheap transportation for immigrants and merchandise, and what a 
glorious Southern region will pour wealth and power into her lap ! " 



8 Suburban S'omes, 

With such prospects for the future, it behooves our men 
of business and the city government to prepare the way for 
the certain increase of trade and manufactures, by encouraging 
projects for the settlement of the suburbs, and increasing the 
facilities for reaching them. 

Not many years hence the basin of the city proper will be 
needed for business and manufactures. Instead, therefore, 
of constructing untraveled avenues and inaccessible pleasure 
grounds or smoldng gardens, misnamed "parks," were the 
city government to open up means of rapid and cheap travel 
through or over the hills, citizens could enjoy the luxury of 
comfortable homes in natural parks of unsurpassed beauty 
and unlimited extent. But it is not at all likely to do any- 
tliing so wise and disinterested, and accordingly the burden 
of relieving the city of its surplus population and preparing 
it for the future, devolves upon the business community, the 
railroad companies and capitalists. 

BUSINESS MEN SPECIALLY INTERESTED IN THE 
SETTLEMENT OF THE SUBURBS. 

While the resident population so tenaciously maintains 
its hold upon the city, the price of property will not only 
continue high, but will with the increase of trade, indefin- 
itely increase ! High rents and heavy taxes which have al- 
ready driven not a few enterprising men from our city, will 
then act with increased force, and especially upon our manu- 
facturers, who by that single circumstance may be rendered 
unable to compete with others in rival cities. 

But high rents imply crowded tenements, and the two to- 
gether exert a great influence in increasing the cost of labor 
and rendering it uncertain and unreliable. Those who have 
studied the laws of social science, know that crowding in- 
creases crime. The morals become depraved, intemperance 
reigns, and men not only often neglect work, but become 
mentally and morally unfit to foithfully perform it. Nor is 
that all. Living in such a state of depravity, they become 
the ready tools of unprincipled and avaricious politicians 
who use their opportunity not only to obtain office where 



Suburban ^omes. 



they can rule the public, but to sink their constituents into a 
still deeper state of degradation; hence our exhorbitant 
taxes, our heavy city debt. 

Is it not, therefore, the interest of our business men, to 
encourage emigration from the city to the suburbs, where 
the influences are favorable to pure morality, a higher man- 
hood and their own prosperity, as well as that of the city? 
Or is it less the interest ot philanthropists or capitalists to 
engage in this enterprise ? 

This question was ably presented by the Cincinnati Ga- 
zette a few years ago, Avhen discussing the merits of the open- 
ing of the Tunnel ; 

"A second class of improvements are those that facilitate and cheapen the 
comfortable living of mechanics and workingmen. This is a grand point. This 
can only be done by giving them houses, lotG, markets, and railroads cheap. 
How can you do this ? Evidently by putting tens of thousands of the future 
people outside of the city limits, in pleasant towns built purposely for them, 
and carrying them at a minimum price. Mr. Stewart is building a town on 
Long Island for this purpose. The New Jersey Central Railroad does this 
when it starts a train of cars from New York to Elizabeth and other country 
towns every ten minutes, and carries them for a minimum price. From six to 
twelve miles north of Cincinnati can be had good sites for half a dozen such 
towns, and all that is wanted are facilities for getting to them. 

" The problem of extending Cincinnati is reduced to just this— of giving 
cheap houses and cheap living to working men. It can be done, and it ought 
to be an object alike benevolent and patriotic to every man who has acquired 
his wealth by the labor of others, (and who has not ?) to help the great mass 
of workingmen to cheap homes and cheap living." 

The Railroad Record of about the same date states that : 

" It is of the utmost importance that great cities should provide cheap and 
comfortable homes for its working people. If such homes can not be got the 
best, part of the mechanics and working men must emigrate. The progress of 
a city can not be aided in any way so well as to make living cheap and com- 
fortable for the people. This is an deinent of city stfcccss." 

THE SUCCESS OF OTHER CITIES. 

As Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, which do not pos- 
sess the natural advantages of Cincinnati, for trade and for 
obtaining manufacturing supplies, is very much owing to the 
unlimited extent of their building property, and its adapta- 
bility for cheap and rapid travel and transportation. On the 



10 Subin^ban JTotnes. 

extensive plains of Chicago and St. Louis, the street cars carry 
passengers a distance of six or seven miles for as many cents, 
whereas in some parts of Cincinnati, as AVahiut Hills, it costs 
passengers three or four times that amount by the only con- 
veyance — an omnihus. 

The accessibiUty and availability of properly in the cities 
mentioned, attracts capital for building tenements to be 
rented to mechanics and others till they can buy the property 
they live in or build elsewhere; hence we find spread over 
miles of surface, the comfortable tenement cottages, the cozy 
homes and ample yards of this very important class of citi- 
zens. In. this way these cities hold out inducements to settle 
that constitute the highest kind of premium for labor ; while 
the labor thus obtained is more reliable, intelligent, and may 
soon be the most skilled. 

THE BARRIERS TO CINCINNATI'S PROGRESS. 

From these considerations, it is obvious that the barriers 
to the more rapid progress of Cincinnati, are the very hills 
that seem to have invited settlement. Beyond them on all 
sides there is room for unlimited expansion. Ascending 
Vine Street and Walnut Hills on the north and east, and the 
chain of hills forming the boundary of Mill creek valley on 
tJie west, we reach the undulating high lands — the natural 
parks that offer pleasure, health, and repose to the tired me- 
chanic and care-worn business man. Surmount these, or in- 
crease the facilities for getting round and beyond them, and 
the crowded citizens will do as those of New York city have 
done in the short space of ten years, literally swarm to the 
country. 

The New York Herald says : 

" But a very few years since — five years at most— much writing and argn- 
ment were necessary to interest the people of New York in New Jersey, as a 
place of residence. Then that part of the State contiguous to New York, if 
we except Hudson county, was, outside of the cities, but plain farming lands, 
and in most instances could be bought at old farming prices ; and the railroads 
carried a few local passengers. But now who would recognize the New Jersey 
of those days?" * * * * * * * 

Newark, Patterson, Hackensack, Elizabeth, Jersey City 
and Iloboken, form the New Jersey chain of cities , by in- 



Suburban JEomes, 11 

tervening villages all their streets connect, and the most re- 
mote — Patterson and Ilackensack, are within 60 minutes of 
New York. Unite all under one government and they would 
form a metropolis occupying 122 square miles, the same area 
as that of London, the population being 400,000, two-thirds of 
which liave gone from the city of New York. 

The inhabitants ol metropoHtan New York, including the 
suburbs for 40 miles, comprise 2,220,627 souls, only 41^ per 
cent, of which live in the city proper. 

So will it be in Cincinnati, whose suburbs are much more 
susceptible of and quite as desirable for settlement. 

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE 

For the settlement of the property alon^ the lines of our 
older roads, our readers generally know. A libera] policy 
on the part of the " Old Reliable " and the Hamilton & Day- 
ton roads, has built up towns of quite respectable dimen- 
sions. The Dayton Short Line seems disposed to pursue the 
same course, and is being rewarded by a growing commuta- 
tion list. 

But these roads all run upon the lower plane of the Ohio 
valley, one following the line of the Little Miami river, and 
the others being located in the valley of Mill creek. The 
elevated plateau of the north-east, or the undulating high 
lands beyond Walnut Hills and Avondale, have not been 
reached by them or their connections. 

The desirableness of this region for suburban homes for 
city men, has not escaped the notice of cai)italists and rail- 
road men, however, but the steep grades to be encountered, 
seemed to present insuperable obstacles. To get over or be- 
yond Walnut Hills, seemed to be the problem of all projects 
looking to the establishment of a highway, till the year 1847, 
w^hen the projectors of the Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad ob- 
tained a charter from the State legislature, with the object 
of solving it by piercing the hills with a 

TUNNEL, 

And constructing a double track railroad between this city 
and Dayton, With this enterprise our readers are not un- 



12 Siiburban iro7?ies. 



familiar. About one -third of the work on this tunnel was 
accomplished many years ago, at an expenditure of S475,000, 
and abandoned for want of means. Attempts have been 
made within the past two years to complete the work, and 
though little has yet been accomplished, stockholders seem 
confident of early success. 

The tunnel failing to meet the expectations of the public 
who were looking to the development of the north-eastern 
suburbs, it remained for the 

MARIETTA & CINCINNATI RAILROAD COMPANY 

To essay the task, which was accomplished, as most of our 
rea lers know, by winding around the hills, and coming into 
the city by the way of Cumminsville and the Mill creek 
valley, 

This so increased the distance of the various points from 
the city, that for a long time few cared to locate on the 
road. Latterly, however, a great change has taken place in 
public sentiment on the question of distance by railroad. 
The consideration is not how many miles have to be traveled, 
but how long will it take to reach any point after leaving the 
business house or office, and what will be the expense ? That 
desirable suburb, College Hill, which is only six miles from 
Cincinnati, can not be. reached from the business part of the 
city, in much less time than an hour, and a part of that time 
is consumed in a long walk to the depot, or a long ride in the 
street cars, thus increasing the cost of monthly travel. An- 
other part of the journey is accomplished in an omnibus, in 
which passengers are exposed to the dust and heat of sum- 
mer, and the chilling cold of winter. 

If we take the line of the " Little Miami," we find the de- 
pot so far distant from the business center, that a long jour- 
ney has to be made on footer an extra fare paid on the street 
cars to reach it. Then to get up to the high and healthy 
grounds within easy distance of the city, still another journey 
has to be performed. On the M. & C. Railroad, these extra 
journeys, and the loss of time and money incident to making 
Ihem can be saved. 



M 



B 



Map of the Marietta & Cincinnati R. R. from Spring Grove to Loveland. 




Suburban iro??ies, 13 

The depot being located near the center of business, is 
easy of access, and the line of this road from the city limits 
to the summit of the county^ 'being on a rising grade^ pas- 
sengers are landed on dry and healthy elevations^ where 
they can make their homes close to the railroad. 

Reference to the time table on page 142 will show that in 
this way commutors living at Maderia, 18 miles distant, reach 
their homes about as soon as those residing at College Hill. 

Reckoning distance by time, even Walnut Hills is farther 
from business centers, than many of the suburbs on the 
M. (fe C. Railroad. To reach the summit occupies the same time 
as to go to Bond Hill, and the omnibus stand on East Walnut 
Hills, IS as far distant, by time, as Montgomery station. And 
ii we take into consideration the expense of travel, the differ 
ence is still in favor of the raih'oad. Commutation tickets, 
which do not limit the passenger to any number of trips, are 
to Bond Hill, only §45 a year, to Norwood, $50 ; whereas, 
one trip commutation tickets to Walnut Hills, cost |52 a 
year. 

AlU annual ticket to Loveland, which is 25 miles distant, 
costs only $65, or about 10 cents each way ! At that point, 
and many other desirable places on the M. & C. Railroad, 
property can be had at nearly the same price per acre, that 
it costs per front foot on Walnut Hills. [See Loveland.J 

THE NORTH-EASTERN SUBURBS 

Of Cincinnati, as described in this volume, is that part of Ham- 
ilton county, between Spring Grove Cemetery and Loveland, 
that lies within easy distance of the M. & C. Railroad — a 
suburb, which, for diversity of surface, gentle slopes, wide 
valleys, and variety of tint and color, is, during most of the 
year, one of surpassing loveliness. 

Beyond Avondale and East Walnut Hills, is a convex basin 
or amphitheater, of some twenty-five square miles, which is 
so admirably adapted for suburban residences, or even a com- 
pact city, that it will at no distant day, be included in the 
city limits, and may soon contain the larger portion of the 
city's resident population. At present this territory co sists 



14 Subti7'ban IIo77ies, 

of the improved farms and extetisive meadows of the opulent 
fanners, who have grown rich by tlieir proximity to tlie city 
and to the railroad. For a distance of four miles from the city, 
the Montgomery road runs through this beautiful country, 
where the eye of the traveler may roam over hundreds of 
acres of park-like plains, ornamented with groves of forest 
trees and clumps of evergreens, with here and there a wide- 
spreading lawn, intersected by serpentine walks or drives, 
leading to a stately mansion or a less pretentious cottage. 

At the intersection of the Montgomery road with the 
M. & C. railroad, the surface becomes more variable. High 
lands oifering the most extensive range of view now present 
themselves, and beyond, on the line of the turnpike road, is 
the undulating table-land of the county. 

Here the country is rich in orchards and hay-making farms. 
In various places the road is lined with rows of cherry trees, 
that yield almost never failing crops. Broad meadows cloth- 
ed in rich green, mansions with ample lawns, browsing cattle 
dotting the slopes, add to the beauty of the scenery. In the 
distance the prospect widens, and admits to view the distant 
hills of Kentuck}^, the western slopes of Mill creek, and the 
misty lines of Clermont. 

As the distance from the city increases, the conntry is 
more sparsely settled, and the scenery grows less picturesque 
than grand, except in the vicinity of the western verge of the 
plateau, where the scope of view seems illimitable. Below, 
in the valley of Mill creek, are the thriving towns of Read- 
ing, Lockland, Wyoming and Sharonville, and almost beyond 
the broad valley is the beautiful village of Glendale, while 
away in the far distance are to be seen the spires of the towns 
on the Great Miami. 

On the line of the railroad the scenery is more romantic. 
Leaving the amphitheater in which are situated Norwood, 
Oakley and Madison ville, the course is through a deep chasm 
in the overlooking hills, where the steep banks run up to an 
elevation of some one hundred and sixty feet above the level 
of Madisonville. On the west bank of this chasm or ravine, 
are groves of oak, and beech, and maple; on the east, 



Suburban IZo7?ies. 15 

orchards and fields of grain, alternating with grassy slopes, at 
the foot of which may be found an occasional cotter. 

Reaching the summit, an apparently new town, fresh from 
the hands of the builders, greets the eye, with an occasional 
farm-house and orchard to add to the aspect of quiet, comfort 
and rural enjoyment. From this point the country is now 
broken, though in nowise lacking in picturesque beauty. A 
down-grade soon brings the traveler to the level of the Little 
Miami river, upon which placid stream the eye now rests 
with more than ordinary pleasure. 

Continuing along the line of the railroad, we find upon our 
right the deep waters of this beautiful river, and pass succes- 
sively, peering through the rich foliage, the attractive homes 
of' the thrifty farmers, and fields of grain that promise an 
abundant harvest. On the left is the verge of the table 
lands of Hamilton, with here and there farm houses, lanes 
and orchards, and liomes of city men. Such is the character 
of the country, till we reach our prescribed limits of the 
North-eastern suburbs — Loveland. 

Reviewing this extensive tract of country, the almost 
total absence of jutting rocks, craggy peaks and sun-dried 
banks, is, except in the railroad excavations, remarkable. 
Besides it can be safely asserted that there are no swamps 
to breed malaria: no stagnant pools or offensive debris. 

The soil in general is a friable clay, resting on a substratum 
of limestone; hence, its character as a grass-growing and 
hay-producing region. A large proportion of the immense 
hay-supplies of Cincinnati comes from the north-eastern sub- 
urbs, and chiefly by the way of the Montgomery turnpike, 
which ramifies these delightful suburbs. 

The water is clear and sparkling, and in sufficient abund- 
ance for farm purposes — creeks and brooks and springs 
abound, while by sinking shafts from 10 to 20 feet, well water 
can be obtained on some of the highest ground. Such is a 
general view of this beautiful country. When referring to 
the property near the various stations, a more detailed de- 
scription will be given. 



16 Suburban JSTomcs. 



SPRING GROVE CEMETERY. 

This enchanting rural park and tranquil city of the silent 
dead, is the first suburb that is reached by the Marietta and 
Cincinnati Kailroad. 

It is situated in the beautiful valley of the Mill creek or 
Mah-het-e-wa^ about five miles north of the Court House, and 
covers an area of 600 acres. The grounds are approached by 
an avenue of 100 feet in width, and entered by a semi-circular 
gateway, with elaborate piers and a keeper's lodge. 

The cemetery is owned by an incorporate company, com- 
posed of lot owners, and was chartered in 18-15, the year after 
the site was selected. Since its organization the company 
have made several additions to the original property, making 
it the largest necropolis in America, and with one exception, 
the most extensive in the world. 

The cemetery proper consists of a tract of 500 acres, 
bounded on the east by Winton road, and the north by Gray 
road, on the west by Groesbeck avenue and Linden street, 
and on the south by the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton 
Railroad. South of the raih'oad, and north of Spring Grove 
avenue, is a tract of 40 acres, which for the past fifteen years 
has been used as a nursery for other parts of the grounds. 
There, are now thousands of evergreens and deciduous trees 
ready for transplanting — more than enough to ornament the 
unimproved portion of the territory. The grounds south of 
the avenue consist of 60 acres, which were purchased in 
small tracts, at various times, for the double purpose of con- 
trolling the main approach to the cemetery, and securing an 
unlimited supply of gravel afforded by the banks of the 
creek, for use in the construction and improvement of 
avenues. 

With the general appearance of this beautiful resting place, 
our readers are familiar. The improvements on private lots 
number 1,654 family monuments, 1,358 of which are of white 
marble, 198 of imperishable granite, and 85 of the native 
sandstone. 



Sub2trban JToines, 



17 



The number of lot holders is 5,910; whole number of inter- 
ments up to September 30, 1873, is 25,136. The entire cost 
ol the property, including improvements and expenses, were, 
to September, 30, 1873: 



Lnbor expended $250,500 

Expenses 121,000 

Sulaiies 66.500 

Front building 23,000 

Gate keeper's lodge 1 ,000 

Surveying 6, 00 

Viaduct, etc 6,500 

Public vault 5,500 



Cot^.ajies $5,000 

Planting and sodding 3,400 

Cottages 3,000 

Farm house repairs 2,600 

Keports 2,5i>0 

Implements 2, 00 

Furniture 1,400 



The immediate resources of the association were then : 

Cash on hand $ 1,07^5.60 

5-20 bonds, U. S 4'>,000.00 

City school bonds 15,000.00 

Hamilton county bonds 8,000.00 

Resor Academy bonds 5,000.00 

Bills renewable — Mortgage notes L 15,400.00 



Total $84,476.60 

The following touching paragraph from a historical sketch 
of the cemetery, fitly expresses the sentiments of many of 
our readers : 

" This city of the dead seems to have arisen as by enchantment, to testify 
that the city of the living to which it belongs, is inhabited by those to whom 
the tombs of their loved ones are not emblems of sad despair or of cheerless 
doubt, but of confident and cheerful belief of a happy reunion. The cul- 
tivation of the most beautiful of nature's products — the bright flowers, the 
ornamental trees and shrubs — recalls to the imagination that paradise lost by 
the transgression, which brought 

* Death into the world with all our woe,' 

And with it recalls the promise of that lovelier glorious paradise, prepared by 
the conqueror of death for those that love Him." 

Spring Grove is yearly visited by thousands of the surviv- 
ing friends of the deceased within its borders, and at every 
turn may be seen tokens of affection, in the strewn floweis 
that cover the graves of their loved ones. We print the foL 
lowing for the information of visitors: 



18 Suburban JTomes. 



KULES AND REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY LOT-HOLDERS AND VISITORS. 

1. Tickets must be shown at the gate, and are not transferable. 

2. None but lot-holders will be admitted on Sundays and holidays. 

3. Persons with refreshments will not be permitted to enter. 

4. No rapid riding will be allowed, nor driving on the grass. 

5. Omnibusses will not be permitted to enter the grounds. 

6. Horses must not be left without the driver, or fastening the same. 

7. No smoking will be allowed, nor persons with firearms admitted. 

8. Persons with dogs will not be permitted to enter the grounds. 

9. Children will not be admitted unless accompanied by guardians. 

10. No feeding nor disturbing of the waterfowls and other birds is allowed. 

11. All persons are prohibited from touching any object not their own. 

12. No person is permitted to enter the Cemetery but through the gate. 

13. Discharging of firearms is prohibited in and around tiie Cemetery grounds 

to the distance of 100 yards. 

14. The gate keeper is charged to refuse admittance into the grounds of all 

improper persons, and those who are known to have, at any time, 
caused a disturbance or otherwise transgressed the regulations of the 
Association. 
The gates are open to the Cemetery from sunrise to the tapping of the bell 
at evening, when all persons must leave the Cemetery. 

WINTON PLACE. 

This handsome suburb adjoins the Cemetery grounds, and 
to it properly belongs the station known as Spring Grove. 

commmutors. 

John R. Froom, Arthur Williams, Oliver Williams, 

Mrs. V. Wallace, Isabella Brown, Clement Brown, 

0. B. Farrelly, T. L. Brown, Walter Brown, 

J. H. McClintock, E. C. Coolidqe, Frank Coolidqb. 

Jas. T. McQrue, Wm. Harrison, Edw. Cook, 

R. P. HARKNB88, W. Tu0MA8, G. W. ShOLL, 

W. Sholl, F. Sampson. 

The residences here are handsome villas, mostly owned and 
occupied by professional and business men. S. Hannaford, 
D. VV. Miller, S. Hand, and E. Anderson are some of the pro- 
prietors. The lots range from one-half an acre to five acres, 
except the estate of the late Tlatt Evans, which contains 
twenty-two acres. 

This property is valued at from $2,000 to $3,500 an acre, 
according to location. 



Suburban JTomes. 19 

The subdivision of the estate of P. Evens, deceased, lies 
south of Winton Place, between the C. U. & D. and M. & O. 
Railroads, and fronts on Spring Grove avenue, which is 
one hundred feet wide, and one of the finest drives in the 
west. This front will be planted with shade trees, and as the 
street railroad runs within a few feet of the grounds, resi- 
dents will enjoy additional facilities for reaching the city. 
The location is considered healthy, the water good, and the 
soil warm and productive. Good schools, cultivated society, 
a post office and a grocery, add to the inducements to settle. 

Standing on a beautiful knoll, at the end of Winton Place, 
is the residence of G. W. Shell, of the firm of Shell & Keen. 
Tlie style of architecture is unique, but adapted to the posi- 
tion and surroundings of the edifice, which is of brick, is two 
stories in height with verandas, and a tall tower forming an 
observatory. On the east is a broad lawn of 12 acres, stud- 
ded with evergreens and shrubbery. North of the house are 
tlie orchard and kitchen-garden, which, with the lawn, make 
the extent of the grounds 22^ acres. 

Seen from the cars at the junction, this place forms the 
foreground of one of the finest pieces of landscape about 
Cincinnati. 

Passing this point of view, the traveler on the M. & C. 
Railroad soon finds himself at the station called 

LUDLOW GROVE. 

Twenty years ago, the grounds in this vicinity were covered 
with forest trees, whose shade attracted thousands of city 
people to spend a holiday in joyous rural sports or traveling 
over the green turf, or through the tangled brush. The con- 
struction of the M. & C. road was the first improvement to 
break in upon the privacy of this convenient and desirable 
retreat, and that of the Dayton Short Line completed the 
destruction of the grove 

Now we find on the place besides the original Ludlow 
homestead, a capacious school house, capable of accommoda- 



20 Subu7*ban iro7nes. 



ting 400 children, and a number of residences, country stores, 
shops, etc., and a post office. Adjoining Ludlow is 

ST. BERNARD, 

Whose necropolis and lofty church with the tall spire are 
prominent objects as seen from the cars. Including Ludlow, 
the population of the settlement is about 2,000. 

St. Bernard stands upon an eminence, south of the station, 
and is a thrifty village, which has been built up mainly by 
Germans. 

Between the station and the town is the Miami cana^, north 
of which is located the extensive starch works of Andrew 
Erkenbrecher, which give employment to many workmen, 
and supply the country for many miles around with feed for 
stock. 

In the village are several stores, saloons, wagon shops, etc. 
Tliese saloons obtain a generous support from the thousands 
who are drawn to the place with funeral processions. 

The new Catholic Church which has been built recently, 
is gothic, in style of architecture, with slate roof, and a spire 
170 feet in height. It has pews to the number of 110, capa- 
ble of seating some 600 persons, which is the present number 
of members of the congregation. 

Connected with the church is a scliool of 200 children, ten 
of whom are colored. This school is free to all children 
whose parents can not afford to pay, and is supported by vol- 
untary contributions. 

St. Bernard is the home of Schroder, the popular locksmith, 
who has laid out an addition to the town, and is selling lots 
at $8 and $10 per front foot. 

Immediately south of St. Bernard is the handsome resi- 
dence of Henry Attermeyer, located on a beautiful knoll 
which commands an extensive view of the canal basin, 
(a miniature sea,) the precinct of Cumminsville, the residences 
of Messrs. Resor, Probasco, Buchanan and others, in (ylifton. 
Farther toward the rear of the lot, are seen some of the finest 
buildings at Avondale. Mr. Attermeyer is an active man in 



Suburban ^omes, 21 



the cliurcli and community, and commands the respect of 
the people. 

One of the features of St. Bernard is a voluntary JSre de- 
partment, which has its engine, hose, and apparatus. 

The value of property in the vicinity of the town, ranges 
from $oOO per acre on the east, to ^2,000 along the line of the 
railroa 1. 

The commutation fare from Ludlow Grove station, the 
nearest to St. Bernard, is ^i 50 per month. The commutors 
are H. L. Kattenkamp, L. Attermeyer, Richard Schroder, 
F. IVrin and Chas. Attermeyer. 

Leaving Ludlow station in the rear, the passenger is soon 
at the canal bridge, and fairly out in the country. The train 
in crossing the canal, almost at a leap, scarcely admits of time 
to notice the placid waters as they reflect the overhanging 
trees and shrubs, but that loss is compensated by the splendid 
view obtained of the surrounding country and Longview 
Asylum, whose tall chimneys and ample dome add to the 
picturesqueness of the scenery. 

On both sides of the road the land is undulating, present- 
ing hills and knolls and plains, adapted alike for villas 
and town settlements. Soon the whistle calls attention to 
the next station. On approaching which may be noticed the 
chaste villa of George W. Martin, occupying a beautiful rising 
ground, and nearly surroun led with the remains of the native 
forest, and ornamental trees and shrubs. This building fronts 
on the township road, from which it is almost concealed by 
the dense foliage of the tall oaks and maples. On the south 
line of the grounds, is located a handsome little station house, 
offering shade and shelter and rest to the weary or waiting 
passenger, and this is, 

BOND HILL. 

This young and thriving town is the outgrowth of the co- 
oper itive plan of raising money, and meets a necessity that 
in Cincinnati is every year more pressing — that of men of 
moderate means to procure suburban homes. 



22 Subtirbaji koines. 



Bond Hill was founded and chartered in the autumn of 
IbYO, and fully organized on the 3d of February loll owing, 
under the title of the "Co-operative Land and Building As- 
sociation No. 1, of Hamilton County." 

Unlike most of the building associations in the vicinity of 
Cincinnati, this is a building society in fact, as well as in 
name. As stated more at length under the head of "Build- 
ing Associations," this society has purchased its own land, 
laid out and graded its own streets and avenues, built, and 
continues to build its own houses from its own common fund. 

The extent of the grounds is thirty acres, situated on the 
hill from which the town derived its name, and distant from 
the railroad station some tvv'O thousand feet, in a northerly 
direction. Though scarcely a glimpse of the town can be 
seen from the station or the cars, it stands upon an elevation 
considerably above the level of the road. 

A substantial plank walk connects the handsome little 
station with the town, affording a pleasant walk in both sum- 
mer and winter. This walk is on the road of the sectional 
line passing from Avondale through Bond Hill, toward Car- 
thage. A leisurely walk of a few minutes along this plank 
path, takes us to the boundary line of the town, (as seen in 
the accompanying engraving,) where the eye immediately 
takes in the view of the entire settlement, as it lies on a 
slightly undulating plateau, which commands a most unex- 
pected prospect of the beautiful country around. 

Near to us on the north and west, are the commodious resi- 
dences of John Ferris and Jas. II. Murray, and between them, 
in the near distance, the extensive buildings of Longview 
Asylum. Farther to the left, and some distance below, we 
notice the track of the Dayton Short Line, and to the south, 
the hills and knolls extending to Avondale. Close by on the 
east, is the Orphan Asylum, (which is seen to much better 
advantage than from the cars,) and the settlement about Five 
Mile House, on the Reading pike, close at hand. 

Taking a survey of the town, we notice a few remains of the 
old farm settlement in the large shade trees on the avenue 



Suburban ITomes, 23 



leading to the Eeading road, then the neat and substantial 
homes of the members. 

i^ixteen of these houses are ah-eady occupied, and others 
nearly, if not quite, ready for occupanc}^ These houses are 
built on lots measuring sixty-seven by one hundred and nine 
feet, and are retired from the sidewalk fifteen feet, leaving a 
space of ninety feet clear between opposite buildings We 
hail the pleasure of examining the interior of two ot the 
houses, that of L. H. Smith, which contains seven rooms be- 
sides an outside kitchen, and the home of G. B. Denny, a 
house of similar dimensions. Still finer houses than those 
are to be seen in the town, one of which cost ^7,000. 

These houses are built of brick, are two stories high, with 
five windows of lour lights each, fronting on the street. The 
rooms are large enougli for general family purposes, and well 
provided with light and ventilation, and any one can be en- 
tered without p (ssiiig through another. 

To secure complete ventilation in the town, the by-laws 
require houses to be erected on the center of each lot, and, 
as already stated, fifteen feet back from the pavement. Shade 
and Iruit trees are being planted along the streets — Yes, 
"Iruit" trees. Mr. Smith, for instance, having a northern 
aspect for his front, says he does not need shade trees, and 
being a utilitarian, is determined that his trees shall be pro- 
ducers. On our venturing an insinuation regarding the hoys^ 
he interrupted us by stating that Bond Hill boys did'nt belong 
to that c^ass. 

The association builds another style of house, which costs 
only half of the former, viz.: $1,000, including ground, but 
as two of these are erected with a "party" wall, the accom- 
modations afforded are greater in proportion to the price than 
in the larger ones. Either house, however, makes a genteel 
and comfortable dwelling, and costs the owner less per 
month to buy it, than he would have to pay in rent for a 
similar house in the city. 

Advantages of Location. — In selecting a site for the use of 
tlie organization, the managers were not actuated by a desire 
for display. On the contrary, they seem to have preferred 



24 Suburban Homes, 

retirement. Besides the ilem of economy, they were influ- 
enced by the following considerations : 

1st. Proximity to the city by turnpike and railroad, as well 
as accessibility to the center of business — The Reading 
pike and the Section-line road satisfy the former condition, 
and the Marietta Railroad the latter. By the pike, the dis- 
tance to the city through the beautiful village of Avondale, 
is only five miles, by the Section-line road when opened, 
the drive will be still more charming, and of course, more 
direct. 

2d. Elevation, which secures the town from the miasmatic 
influences of Mill creek and its tributaries. 

3d. Facility of drainage. These grounds possess a 
gently undulating surlace, dipping toward the Mill creek val- 
ley, and a sandy soil. 

Society. — Among the residents of Bond Hill, we notice a 
member of the press, a newspaper attache, a gentleman con- 
nected with railroad interests, a public school principal, a 
lumber dealer, two or three builders, and a printer. Among 
the stockholders is one of our most prominent citizens, whose 
enterprise and means have aided many worthy objects. 

A Simdaij School has grown into prominence, and already 
possesses a respectably-sized library. 

Considerable progress has been made in organizing social 
entertainments. The Bond Hill Circle^ a dramatic reading 
societ}^ gave weekly readings in private houses the past win- 
ter. This society and the necessity of a place in which to 
hold public meetings, have suggested the formation of a 
joint company to erect a Public Ilall^ which will be con- 
structed during the ensuing summer. 

The value of the property of the association has been fixed 
by the managers. Members prepared to buy can do so either 
at private or public sale, but as the price of the ground is 
kept nominally at cost, houses and lots command a pre- 
mium. At present, we are informed, that none of the stock 
ol the association is offered for sale. 



Stcbti7*ban Monies, 25 

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. 

President J. C. Kelley ; Vice- Pre svhnt^ 11. Watkins; Secretary^ E. L. Agin; 
Treasurer, VV. S. Munson ; SuferinlendeiU, Jab. H. Murray. 

COMMUTORS, ETC. 

J. C. Kelly, R W. Murray, T J. Murray, H Ruffner, Miss Nettie Mur. 
KAY, 8u><PTfc;R Murray, A. K. Murray, J. W. Coleman, Mauy Hannaiiohd, 
WiLLFE Partridge, Cora Ruffner, Lizzie Champlin, J. M. Champun, C. 
E. Rose, II C. Denis. Thos. Fleshner, James Pummill, W. Lantky F. M 
fiPANOLER, J. H Hart, S H. Smith, Chas. Aoin, J. U. Murray, U. Weibell, 
C. A. Partridge, G. B. Denny. 

We commend Bond Hill Association to the attention of 
men of limited means, who contemplate settling in the near 
suburbs. The organization is a great improvement on those 
that preceded it, while the tendency of the union is, to estab- 
lish a species of brotherhood, that is alike advantageous in 
developing the liner feehngs of humanity, and building up a 
settlement which will reflect credit upon the founders. 
Every member of this society seems interested in the general 
welfare of all, and in the cars and in society, a favorite 
topic of conversation with " Bond Hill men," is their rapid 
transit to and from business, their society, their new build- 
ings, of which they will soon have twice sixteen, their new 
hall, their sitburls^ and their scenery. 

Value of Property in the Vicinity. — ^That property should 
increase in value near to such a settlement, is only a natural 
consequence. Bond Hill property cost |500 an acre ; an ad- 
joining tract of two acres was sold a few days before this 
writing for $3,000. 

The tune required to reach the city from this point is thirty 
minutes : the commutation rates, $5 per month. 
■ In closing this sketch, it may be of interest to state that 
the sale of intoxicating drinks on the premises of Bond Hill, 
is prohibited by the laws of the association. 

8T. ALOYSIUS ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

The next prominent object on the Bond Hill side of the 
road, is this charitable institution, which is located on the 
Keading turnpike, and lies north of the railroad. 



26 Suburb a7i ITomes, 



It is situated on a tract of fifty-four acres, owuel by the 
institution, and its naturally beautiful grounds are seen to 
fine advantage from the cars. Tlie main building is three- 
stories high with a basement, and contains the dining-rooms, 
kitchen, clothes-rooms, dormitories and chapel. The liou^e 
is constructed with a wing on each side as it fronts the turn- 
pike. These wings are two-stories high, and connected with 
the main building by a hall twenty leet long and ten feet 
wide. The lower story is used for school purposes, the upper 
for dormitories. 

There are now two hundred and fiftj^-seven orphans in the 
Asylum, the girls occupying one side, the boys the other 

The property is now valued at |150,000. 

This institution is sustained by voluntary contributions and 
from proceeds of annual concerts on Washington's birth- 
day, and refreshment stands on the grounds on the occasion 
of the celebration of the 4th of July, when the friends of the 
institution in the city, resort there to the number of 7,000 or 
8,000, and a general gala day is held. Previous to the cele- 
bration, the ofiicers of the institution collect the viands, etc., 
with which to entertain their friends, who in their turn con- 
tribute a piece of money, h*om twenty-five cents to five dol- 
lars in value for Iheir entertainment. In this way from 
$5,000 to $6,000 is raised. 

:Another occasion for raising money occurs on Church de- 
coration day, which is the third Sunday of September. The 
sum raised on these three occasions amounts to over $^,000. 

The matron of this establishment is Miss Elise Tape, and 
the chaplain. Rev. A. H. Walburg. 

South of the railroad, at Bond Hill, the country presents a 
peculiar yet picturesque appearance — th:it of a series of 
knolls and natural mounds, multiplying incessantly as they 
approach the northern limits of Avondale. This property is 
included in the Blatchley estate, and was laid out with ave- 
nues for building sites a few years ago, portions of it bringing 
$5,000 and upwards an acre. 

Tlie property east of this tract is equally w^ell adapted for 
building sites, presenting a bold, undulating surface, and 



Suburban Homes, 27 

increasing in altitude fis the distance increases from the railroad. 
Soon we enter the excavation rendered necessary to reduce 
the grade of the track, and hearing the shrill whistle, are ap- 
prised of our proximity to 

NORWOOD. 

Here the depth of the cut required has lowered the track 
some sixteen feet, so that now the travel of the Montgomery 
pike passes on a bridge that spans the railroad. 

Mounting the steps that take the passengers up to the 
level of the pike, where are in waiting, an omnibus and several 
vehicles, we turn to the right, cross the bridge, and are now on 
the highway leading to the city. 

Here are a few farm houses nestled among the trees and 
shrubbery, that have grown old with the place. The first on 
the right is occupied by one of the 'old settlers, T. T. iJrake, 
the next by Chas. F. Low, Auditor and Secretary of the 
M. & 0. Railroad. Connected with the latter building is a 
farm of 50 acres, purchased over a year ago by the following 
gentlemen : Robert Hedger, Jas. Bradford, G. H. Hafer and 
Maddox & Hobart, the present proprietors. This property 
w^as purchased for building purposes, and being so close to 
the station, would doubtless sell well if laid out in lots of 
fiity feet front. 

Opposite this ground, is a beautiful row of silver-leafed 
poplars, that cast a grateful shade over the sidewalk. 

Farther southward, and on the east side of the road, are the 
great meadows of Hiram Smith, stretching out from the 
village, then those of Edward Mills, at the farther end of 
which are the elegant and chaste mansion and outbuildings 
of the proprietor. Adjoining this on the east, is the com- 
fortable suburban cottage home of Jackson Slane. His 
buildings are well retired Irom the public road, affording an 
ample lawni, and abundance of Iruit trees and bushes. Mr. 
Slane has reduced his broad acres to a convenient compass 
of 18i acres — enough to care for while his business in the 
city demands his close attention. 

Opposite Mr. Slane's property, is that of L. C. Hop- 
kins, who last summer laid out an avenue to connect the 



28 Subu7'ban Homes, 

Montgomery vitli the Reading pike, near Avondale. This is 
another vahuible piece ot building property, ndniirably adapted 
for minute subdivision, and we think woul I pay to put on 
the market. The distance Irom this point to the station is 
only about a mile, and the property being on the turnpike 
road, it would be sufficiently near to the station for health 
and retirement. 

i^djoining tlie property of Mr. Slane, is the extensive farm 
of B. Cavagna — one of the most beautiful pieces of property 
for residences in the country. The place consists of mead- 
ows and woodhmds, and presents a most beautiful park-like 
appearance. The ground is about on a level with the sta- 
tion, and is gently undulating, with here and there large 
planes adapted for lawns and ornamental grounds. 

stretching from the east side of the JMontgomery turn- 
pike, over to within one-third of a mile of the Madison ville 
turnpike, it contains two hundred acres, with a frontage on 
three sides. By laying this property in three to five acre 
lots, a capitalist would realize handsome profits. ■ Unlike some 
ot the neighboring property holders, Mr. Cavagna is not in- 
disposed to part with his property, but will not sell it in 
parcels. 

Returning to the station, we notice the Norwood post 
office and a general store conducted by W. M. Langdon. 
West of the station, is first the handsome residence of J. B. 
Foraker, and on adjoining property and nearer the turnpike, 
the residence of Mrs. Mills. On the right is the handsome 
home of W. A. Stewart, and further up on the opposite side, 
the commodious cottage of A. G. Ridlon. 

Leisurely sauntering up the broad and liandsome road, we 
come to a bend, and halt for a few minutes, to review the 
country southward from this more elevated point of- view, 
and one of the first objects that attract attention, is the Avind- 
ing road that leads upward towards Avondale. Amid a land- 
scape of wood and meadow, gentle hill and rolling vale, we 
see the handsome homes of resident farmers and city business 
men. Beyond and above these we notice also tlie public 
buildings and private residences on West Walnut Hills and 



Subu7^ban JTomes, 29 

Mt. Auburn, as Ihey reflect the rays of the nearly setting sun. 
On either side the country is equally beautiful, spreading out 
into orchards, groves, cultivated fields, and extensive pasture 
land. Fairly in the country, we experience an almost 
hushed stillness, broken into only by the shrdl whistle of 
passing trains, the foot-falls of an occasional tramp, the noise 
of a solitary carriage urging toward tlie city, or the sound of 
a more jaunty vehicle, lightly laden with a loving pair. 

But we must not linger, as we are only halt way to the 
summit above us. 

Turning the bend, a finger-board directs us to Mound ave- 
nue, which we find to be a gracefully curving road, with 
shade trees symetrically planted on either side, and green 
lawns sloping down to .the excavated highway. Soon we 
reach the 

INDIAN MOUND, 

And, marking the time, find that a brisk w^alk of ten minutes 
will take the passenger from the station to this point. 

We are now on one of the greatest elevations in Hamilton 
county, and our eye encompasses an extent of vision, truly 
surprising. The sensation experienced is one of vastness or 
iriimensity. Objects supposed to be beyond the range of 
sight are seen in the distance, while comparatively distant 
objects are unexpectedly near. Immediately we commence 
to enumerate the many familiar objects and places that crowd 
upon the attention, scarcely glancing at the beauties of the 
scenery. On the table land to the north-east, we can see 
the farm settlement among the groves and forests. In the 
valley below, is the curling smoke of that flourishing village, 
Lockland, and there are the palaces for the indigent and the 
demented, and their grounds and enclosures. Before us, 
gently rolling to the valley below, are forests and meadows 
and green fields, divided by neatly clipped hedges or fences, 
on straight lines that appear as gracefully curving. Inter- 
spersed among these, are the suburban settlements, Glondale, 
Wyoming, Hartwell and Carthage, and beyond the wide val- 
ley and the wooded slopes, Mount Pleasant and more aristo- 
cratic College Hill. 



30 Subu7'ban ^omes. 

In the near distance below us is the ambitious town of 
Bond Hill, that representative of democratic and co-operalive 
ideas combined — a true democracy. Then there is St Ber- 
nard, with its prominent church and steeple ; and still farther 
to the left glimpses of Clifton and Avondale, the homes of 
our millionaires. 

Walnut Hills now appears southward, and Mount Lookout 
and the Observatory, and located in the center of an exten- 
sive amphitheater, and merging into its neighbor's territory, 
or vice versa, is the new town of Oakley, which, even at this 
distance, looks fresh and tasteful as from the hands of the 
builders, and Madisonville, that seems sequestered in groves 
and orchards, with only its more pretentious villas occupying 
the prominent knolls; then beyond and toward the Little 
Miami, are patches of woodland extending to and beyond 
the river, and up the slopes of Mounts Washington and Car- 
mel, and beyond these, the misty lines of the far off hills 
that limit the horizon. 

Indian Hill, on the north-east and northward; again Pleas- 
ant Ridge, within si^eaking distance, with its fertile sloi)es, 
its mansions and orchards, its churches and school house, all 
beautiful from tliis near view, and we have made the circuit 
of the horizon. A thousand objects of interest and beauty 
remain to be noticed, but time and space will not admit of 
further mention. We now take a closer view of 

NORWOOD HEIGHTS, 

The distinctive name given to the property purchased a few 
year, ago by S. H. Parvin, Col. P. P. Lane and L. Bolles. 
This consists of eighty-two acres, which are laid out in lots 
rangitig in size from one acre to six. The mound in question 
forms a part of the settlement, and has been reserved by the 
proprietors for the use of the public and the settlers. Its 
dimensions we could not accurately learn, but were informed 
that it covered one-fourth of an acre. The company, so far, 
have not disposed of much of their property. Some time 
since, L. Bolles, one of the publishers of this pamphlet, sold 
his interest to E. W. VanDuzen, after reserving to himseli some 



Subu7'ban Momes. 31 

three acres ; and W. R. Phipps purcliased a tract of similar 
size, adjoining the mound, and erected on it the handsome 
villa that attracts so much attention for many miles around. 
Before describing the balance of the property, we may state 
that Mr. Phipps' elegant edifice cost him over $12,000. It is 
a frame building with pointed gables and an ornamental slnte 
roof. Overlooking the lawn are two handsome verandas, and 
an elaborately finished bay window. A neat carriage house 
and stable are at a convenient distance on the brow of the 
hill. 

The property of Norwood Heights is like much of the 
property of the north-eastern suburbs, varied in surAxce. 
Portions of it are level, while most is gently undulating. 
Part of it extends down to the turnpike road, as does that of 
Mr. Bolles, and another part adjoins the elegant grounds of 
James M. McOullough. We noticed at work on the lots a 
gardener planting shade and ornamental trees, which, when 
grown, will add materially to the beauty of the place. 

Little if any effort has been made to dispose of this prop- 
erty, the owners feeling satisfied that the day is not far dis- 
tant when it will be in great demand. To some, the price has 
been an objection, but land here can be had at about the 
same rates as on the level ground, equi-distant from the sta- 
tion. The advantages of the place however, will, when more 
generally known, speedily bring buyers who will put up im- 
provements suited to the views of the company. Some of 
these advantages are pure air, abundance of spring water, 
proximity to the railroad station, and to the city by carriage 
drive, good schools and churches, and cultivated society. 

Passing down Mound avenue, we come to the beautiful 
grounds known as 

THE U'cULLOUan PLACE. 

Originally used for nurserv purposes, these grounds con- 
tain an immense variety of the choicest trees and shrubbery, 
many of which have been allowed to grow up to enrich and 
embellish the property. Winding down an open roadway, 
we pass clumps of apple and pear trees, and soon enter the 



32 Suburban Jro??ies. 



thickets that duster around tlie homestead of tlie proprietor, 
James M. McCullough. There, embowered in trees and 
fohage and flowers, is the cosy domicil where so many friends 
have enjoyed the hospitahty of the happy pair who fixed 
their residence on this spot some twenty-four years ago. On 
three sides of this house, are the smoothest of shaven lawns 
or croquet grounds, skirted by choice shrubbery, and shaded 
by gigantic forest and fruit trees. Near at hand, are the 
barn, stable, and carriage house, and between these and the 
dwelling, a tiny lake, alive with golden-colored members of 
the finny tribe. Winding around the hd^e and homestead, 
Mound avenue now takes the direction of the turnpike. 

Following the meanderings of this enchanting avenue, w^e 
pass successively the elfin grove, the rustic bridge, the almost 
hidden green-house, with its exotic plants and flowers, the 
quaint little cottage, the shady forest and thrifty pear trees, 
and the luxuriant hedge of cedar, and note the beauty and 
the fragrance of shrubs and flowers, freely interspersed over 
the intervening spaces. Emerging from these shady bowers, 
that are resonant with the music of the featliered songsters, 
we again reach the more solid ground of the turnpike road, 
and find we are opposite the tasteful grounds of Col. Lane, 
and about a quarter of a mile from the south end of the 
avenue. 

Taking a re'rospective view of the McCullough place, we 
recognize in ir more of the characteristics of nature than of 
art — wdiich, after all, is only the highest style of art. Like 
some indulgent parents, who with a sparing use of the rod 
have brought up large families of children to love and honor 
them, Mr. McCullough has reared these monuments of his 
taste and indulgence with a sparing use of the pruning knife 
and shears, and now^ they have grown up to enrich him with 
bounteous crops of delicious fruit, and to bless him with their 
grateful shade and coolness. 

We have, perhaps, lingered longer among these inviting 
bowers, than may seem consistent with an impartial account 
of our suburbs, but we have tw^o apologies. First, we would 
have it distinctly understood, that Mr. McCullough's place is 



Subti7*ban Homes. 33 

not for sale. Next, this beautiful i)lace is, in a certain sense, 
public property. Eesidents of Norwood and Pleasant Eidge, 
and the public generally, are not only welcome, but are invited 
to enjoy the delightful drive afforded by Mound avenue, 
which traverses these grounds. Add to these a foct that still 
further illustrates the public spirit and liberality of the gen- 
erous proprietor: For many years, on the Anniversary of 
Independence, and in the interest of religion and patriotism, 
Mr. McCuUough and family have entertained a circle of hun- 
dreds of friends, with the free use of their home and grounds, 
and spread before them ample collations of the choicest 
li'uits and viands. 

Having enjoyed more than one of these re-unions, the 
writer, like many of our readers, can speak from experience. 

We shall now glance at this beautiful villa belbre us — the 
residence of Col. Lane, represented in the engraving. 

The main portion of this handsome building is of brick, 
with a tasteful portico and bay windows at either end, over- 
looking the spacious lawn. The roof is of the Mansard style 
of architecture, covered with ornamental slate. In design 
and finish, this beautiful edifice is elaborate, yet chaste, alike 
consistent with the surrounding country, and the taste and 
circumstances of its affluent proprietor. 

The ample grounds of this place, include an orchard on each 
side, merging into a lawn, that is intersected with serpentme 
drives and walks, and extends to. a tenement house at conve- 
nient distance. 

Near the tenement house is the carriage house and stable, 
and on the lower grounds, in the orchard, a dairy, through 
which circulates a strong stream of pure spring water, suffi- 
cient to supply a moderate-sized lake that formerly occupied 
the grounds still further below. 

The extent of the Colonel's property is about twenty-five 
acres. 

Opposite a part of Col. Lane's property, is that of Lewis 

Kennedy, a son-in-law of Mr. McCullough ; and adjoining it 

on the north, the home of Judge Burgoyne, one of the oldest 

residents of the northern suburbs. The Judge's father, 

3 



34 Subu7^ban Homes, 



John Bargo.yne, was the owner of a large grist mill at Cummins- 
ville, that did a prosperous business v^ith the early settlers. 
Most members of the Judge's family having married and re- 
moved to other places — he chose a few years ago, to select 
for himself this peaceful rural home. His residence fronts 
on the turnpike, and stands upon a lot of five acres, and is 
retired to the rear of an ample lawn of trees and shrubbery. 

Adjoining this place on the north, and along the pike, is 
the residence of John Swift — a handsome frame building, 
with a tasteful lawn in front. Mr. Swift owns part of a sub- 
division close by, in which Joseph Hayden and James Mor- 
gan reside. 

Opposite another part of Col. Lane's property, are the rural 
homes of W. H. Nelson and Capt. Mix — both having abund- 
ance of fruit and shrubbery ; and adjoining these the home 
of J. N. Siebern, which stands several feet above the road, 
and is entered by an archway of Osage orange. Close by it, 
on the Norwood Heights property, is a quiet, little pond, that 
would seem to have in it plenty offish. Next in order on the 
same side, is the residence of L. Bolles, retired some considera- 
ble distance from the road, and seen at the end of a lane 
of evergreens and shrubbery, of some thirty or forty years 
growth. This house, like the other property of Norwood 
Heights, was purchased from William Ferguson, who made 
it his residence; and here, too, was kept the public inn or 
resting place for the travel on the great State road. 

Near the house, is a fine cherry orchard, that bears fi:uit in 
abvmdance. 

This place can be reached in about ten or twelve minutes' 
walk from the station, and is distant from the corporation 
line of the city, about three miles. 



STORES, SCHOOLS, DRITES, ETC. 

There is but one grocery at Norwood Station, and that is 
kept by W. M. Langdon, who also acts as post-master. The 
school house is about a square distant from the station. The 
attendance is not as large as that at Pleasant Kidge, but the 



Suburban Homes, 35 

school is in a highly efficient condition. The principal is 
W. H. Nelson, his assistant Miss M. L. Hicks. 

A Union J^abbath School is held at this place, under the 
superintendence of Jackson Slane, assisted by W. A. Stewart. 

In closing this article on Norwood and Norwood Heights, 
we desire to state that much of the information regarding 
Pleasant Ridge, is of equal interest to present and future set- 
tlers of Norwood, and persons arriving at its station. There, 
are located the churches, a fine school, the benevolent socie- 
ties, the stores and workshops, and there, is the voting place 
for the residents in this vicinity. 

The drives of Norwood are not numerous, but there are 
none more desirable in the suburbs. The turnpike road from 
the city to Montgomery, is not surpassed for scenery, and as 
yet, the road is not crowded with vehicles; besides, the 
country has a suburban, rather than a rural appearance. 

FARES, ETC 

The distance to Norwood Station from the city is, by rail, 
10 4-10 miles, — commutation fare, per month, $5.25 ; freight 
per ton of 2,268 pounds, $1.50. 

PLEASANT KIDGE. 

At Norwood Station, may be seen on the arrival of all 
accommodation trains, the omnibus from Pleasant Ridge, and 
a number of private vehicles. Entering one of these, the 
passenger is conveyed to Norwood Heights, or the settle- 
ments beyond. The highway to Pleasant Ridge is the same 
turnpike road which connects Montgomery with Cincinnati. 
Passing the bend at the approach to Norwood Heights, a hill 
of moderate altitude has to be surmounted, and a beautitul 
valley passed before he gains the high lands of the Ridge. 
But the distance is not wearisome nor the ride irksome. 
Here, the country is strictly rural, yet the improvements near 
the roadside are suburban and tasteful. Residences already 
noticed, are reached and passed. Gardens and lawns stretch 
out invitingly, with their open gateways. Orchards cover 
the sloping hillsides, and there, close at hand, is ao 



36 Siibu7'ba7i Monies, 



advantageous view of the towering church and spire, and 
handsome school building. Below the church, and forming 
its yard, is also the resting place of many pioneers of this 
vicinity, the white marble monuments of which, form not an 
uninteresting sight, as seen through the intervening ever- 
greens and shrubbery. 

On the left, near the crest of the hill, are the grounds 
forming Fitzgerald's subdivision of an " addition to Norwood." 
Tills is the property referred to in another place as sold on 
ten 3^ears' time. The pioneer settler here is F. L. Fisk, who 
is engaged in the city post-office. 

A little farther, and the Carthage road is passed, and the 
crest of the ridge fully reached. Halting here, and taking a 
retrospective view, the eye is enraptured wdth the rich and 
extensive landscape. 

Resting on tlie hill sides, immediately below, are the thrifty 
farm settlements, the wide fields and broad meadows, the 
orchards and groves. Beyond, and partly concealed by dense 
ioliage, are the turreted outlines of Longview Asylum and 
the County Infirmary buildings. Still fiu-ther to the right, 
is Reading, with its tall spires ; Lockland, with its factories, 
as seen by tJie curling smoke of the high chimneys ; Wyo- 
ming and Glendale, resting in the valley of Mill creek, their 
mansions and villas appearing amid the groves that surround 
them ; and beyond the valley, the structures of College Hill 
gem the horizon. 

Toward the west and south, are the near suburbs of Cin- 
cinnati — Avondale, Clifton, and East Walnut Hills — as seen 
beyond, and around the intervening hills, their high gables, 
cupolas and spires glistening in the sunlight. Farther to the 
left, a splendid view of Norwood Heights is obtained. Yon- 
der, embowered in an orchard-grove, is the comfortable home 
of James M. McCullough, and here on the right, the elegant 
residence of Col. Lane, which, to be seen in its best aspect, 
must be viewed from this point. And yonder, is Oakley, so 
near, yet so distant; and Mt. Lookout and the Observatory; 
and beyond, Mt. Washington, and — well, the vision has a 
limit Those spires are scarcely seen through the blue mist, as 



Sicbu?^ba?i ITomes, 37 

they dot the far off hills that seem to touch the sky. With 
such a landscape, the graceful slopes, (he lertile valleys, the 
rural homes, the air filled with the perfume of a score of or- 
chards in bright bloom, and the pastures dotted with flocks 
of sheep and browsing cattle, was not this desirable locality 
fitly named Pleasant Ridge? 

But this is not all of Pleasant Ridge. That name is applied 
to the land on either side of the turnpike for some three 
miles. Nor is this the greatest elevation, ns we find there is 
some up-hill work for the sturdy team beyond. Pleasant 
Ridge village is situated on a comparatively level plate, lu, 
which forms a part of the table laud ol the county. The 
population is about five hundred, composed of mechanics, 
business and professional men. The industries are two 
blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, two nurseries of fruit and 
ornamental trees. There are two groceries, or general stores, 
and two beer saloons. In the professions there are two 
clergymen, and one physician. The classes that live by their 
wits or their wealth are said to be alike small. 



CHURCHES. 

Pleasant Ridge is well represented in churches and schools. 
The denominations are Presbyterians, Methodists, and Regular 
Baptists. The former has t reeled a fine buildnig at a cost 
of 120,000. Its dimensions are lorty-five by seventy-five 
feet, with basement for Sabbath School and lecture room, 
and an auditorium above. The house is of brick, with stone 
and ornamental trimmings, and a slate roof. Two spires, one 
of which is one hundred and fifteen feet in height, are 
attractive objects for many miles around. 

The society was organized in 17J8, and known as " Duck 
creek Presbyterian Church" till 1818, when the present 
name was adopted. The first pastor was Rev. James Kem- 
per, who commenced his labors in 1808. and served the 
church till the year of his demise, 1835. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Daniel 11 ay den, whose term of service was twenty- 
seven years; Rev. Samuel J. Miller, seven years; Rev. 
Edward Wright, two years; Rev. J. K. Burch, one year; Rev 



38 Subur?)an Jlornes, 



Samuel Hair, five years ; Kev. Simeon Brown, (stated supply) 
two years ; J. V. Vandyis:e, lour years, and James McKee, four 
years. The present incumbent. Rev. L. A. Aldrich, has served 
the church for a period of over three years. 

The first edifice was of logs with a frame addition. This 
was superseded by a brick house, thirty-six by fifty leet, and 
was built by Bartholomew Fowler and WilHam Baxter. 
Having served tlie entire religious public in this vicinity 
foi a period of forty years, the building was torn down to make 
way for the present elegant structure, and the foundation 
of the latter laid with appropriate ceremonies, conducted 
by Gen. James Sampson, on the 12th of September, 1870. 
The efficient building committee, upon whom the responsi- 
bility of finishing the new house has devolved, are John A. 
Clark, John Cortelyou and William Durrell, Jr. 

The membership of the church is at present, ono hundred 
and eight, of which the venerable gentleman who conducted 
the ceremonies of laying the foundation stone, Gen. James 
Sampson, is. considered the oldest member, dating back as 
he does his connection with the church some fifty-one years. 

Connected with this church is a flourishing Sabbath School, 
under the superintendence of its esteemed pastor. This 
school is held in the elegant lecture room, which for comfort, 
convenience and taste, is not excelled by any we have ever 
visited. 

The Baptist Meeting House was erected in 1859, at a cost 
of $3,500. It is a well built and neatly appearing structure, 
with rooms for vestry and baptismal purposes in the rear. 
In its belfry is the only church bell in the village. 

The Baptist Ghurch w s organized in 1866, before which 
time the membership of this place was a branch of the old 
Duck creek Baptist Church, the pioneer of the north-western 
territory. Rev. B. F. Harmon, now of Mt. Washington, 
preached for many years, officiating as pastor of this church, 
and his name continues to be much venerated among the 
people of Pleasant Ridge. At present the pastorate is vacant. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church or Meeting House, is a 
comfortable brick building, situated on the corner of Wood 



Subu7'ba7t Jlomes, 39 



and Carthage streets, and was erected in 1859, at a cost of 
$3,000. Its pulpit is at present supplied by Rev. T. J. Ewans, 
with assist an^.e from other preachers of the denomination. 
This church also maintains an interesting Sabbath School 
under the superintendence of John H. McGowan. 



Feeling the necessity of increased educational facilities, 
the electors of the district authorized an appeal to the town- 
ship school-board, for a tax levy of $7,500, to purchase a lot 
and erect a commodious school house. • After some delay the 
present edifice was erected on grounds purchased from 
Samuel L ingdon, in 1871, from which beautiful spot it over- 
looks an extensive range of country, and, like the Presbyte- 
rian Church, forms one of the most attractive objects on the 
line ot the M. & C. road. 

The house is of brick, with freestone ornaments, and con- 
tains, besides the basement, a vestibule and four large rooms, 
measuring twenty-four by thirty feet. Three of these rooms 
are furnished and in daily use, with an average attendance 
of one hundred scholars. 

This house is one of the best planned buildings for school 
purposes in the country, and besides its presenting a beauti- 
ful and symmetrical exterior, is furnished in the best style with 
maps, globes, and improved apparatus. The belfry is mounted 
■with a silver-toned bell, which marks the time for residents, 
within a range of several miles. The value of the edifice and 
grounds is estimated at |10,000. 

The present school board consists of John Swift, President; 
J. H. McGowan, Treasurer, and H. B. Terrell, Clerk. The 
teachers in charge are O. C. Drake, Principal, and Mrs. 
M. J. Banning, and Miss M. B. Leach, Assistants. 

BENEVOLENT SOCTETTES. 

There is but one oenevolent society represented in Pleas- 
ant Ridge, and that is the Masonic. Pleasant Ridge Lodge, 
No. 282, F. & A. M. was chartered October 22d, 1856, Stephen 
W. Reeder, being the first W. M. Mr. Reeder continued to 



40 Suburban ITomes, 

occupy the position until 1863, when owing to ill health, he 
retired from the service, and soon after died, greatly lamented 
by the order. 

The membership of the lodge is at present forty-two, and 
the condition of the brotherhood prosperous and harmonious. 
The following named officers have been installed for the pre- 
sent year: H. B. Turrill, W. M.; John Swift, S. W.; George 
W. Lester, I. W. ; H. Bonham, Treasurer ; P. C. Cole, Secre- 
tary ; James Morgan, S. D. ; Samuel Swift, J. D. ; Philip Cas- 
ner. Steward and Tyler. 

The lodge meets on the Friday evening on or before full 
moon. 

HISTORT. 

One of the earliest settlers of the village of Pleasant 
Eidge, was James C. Wood, father of William W. Wood, who 
came from New Jersey in 1809, and purchased section 20 
and part of 24, upon which property his son now lives, occu- 
pying the old homestead. 

Subdivisions of the property were made successively by 
John C, W. R, and recently W. W. Wood. 

The village was established as a post town in 1832, and in 
1834 was constructed through it the Montgomery turnpike, 
which, for a time, obtained for it the soubriquet of "Cross 
RoaJs," from the circumstance of the pike crossing the Co- 
lumbia and Reading road at the end of the village. 

Pleasant Ridge will long be remembered as a place of ren- 
dezvous or " general muster" during the Mexican war. There, 
assembled the gallant troops from Mt. Pleasant and Mont- 
gomery, Newtown, and even Cincinnati. There they camped, 
and there tliey practiced their military tactics of the d:iy, 
under the leadership of Generals Snider, Turpin, Sampson 
and others — since forgotten; there, troops were drilled in the 
usages of the regimental school ; there, were fought in the 
presence of foir ladies and brave men, sham battles, in which 
the "Horse Tail " cavalry charged the firm ranks of the Jack- 
son Guards or the Washington Cadets, and vice versa^ and 
there, amid the dust, if not the smoke of battle, were gathered 



Suburban Shames, 41 

fresh laurels in the presence of admiring lair ones, and amid 
the plaudits of chivalrous escorts. 

INDUCEMENTS TO SETTLERS. 

Pleasant Ridge, offers many inducements to city men to 
settle in its vicinity. Besides its unsurpassed scenery, it 
offers health, pure water, fresh air and an invigorating atmos- 
phere ; abundance of fruit in its season, cheap property, good 
schools and churches, little, if an}^, short of metropolitan 
efficiency ; stores, shops — in short, a town already fully estab- 
lished, and good society already formed. 

Then, its proximity to the city — only seven miles from the 
Court House, on the road to which, passes a daily omnibus, 
arriving at Coffin's grocery on Filth street, at 9:15 a. m., and 
leaving at 3 p. m. Passengers failing to make railroad con- 
nections, are thus amply accommodated. Then there is the 
raih'oad omnibus, as before intimated, which makes three 
trips a day, at a cost of only ten cents each way. 

There are, also, church parties, society unions, pleasure 
drives, sleigh-riding in the season, flower culture, and all the 
recreations that tend to make country life desirable and at- 
ti'active. 

Men of limited means can soon build themselves homes, 
which will constitute at the same time, a saving, and a first- 
class paying investment. 

BUILDING PROPERTY AND MATERIALS. 

Building lots can be had at from %Z to $10 per front foot, 
and land from $300 to $500 per acre ; and building material 
can be had at the cost of freight above city prices, for lumber 
and lime ; brick at $8 or $9. Labor is cheap, and more than 
counterbalances the increased cost of material. 

COMMUTORS OF NORWOOD STATION. 

Judge BuRGOYNB, President National Insurance Co. ; Wm. K Phtpps, 
Phipps, O'Connell & Co., wholesale shoe dealers; John H. McGowan, 
J. H. NicGowan & Co., Mfgs Pumps, etc. ; J. A. Jackson, Jackson & Co., 
liquor dealers ; W. A. Jackson, clerk at Jackson & Co.'s ; J. S. Morgan, 
J. A. Morgan & Son, bookbinders; Jackson Slane, Slane & Day, Jewelers; 
Chas. SKtOAR clerk; John Seegar, Seegar, Williams <& Co., commis- 
8ion merchants; Geoige Bell, clerk; H. C Batls ; John A. Clark, 
Clark & Kennedy, commission merchants ; J. M- McCullough, McCuUough 



42 Subu7^ban Ilo77ies, 

& Son, commission merchants and dealers in seeds ; P. P, Lane, Lr.ne & Bod- 
ley, iron founders and engine builders; J. B. Foraker, attorney-at-law ; L. 
BoLLEs, Nelson & Bollea, land agents and note brokers; Edward G. B i.les, 
clerk M &C. E. E. office; E.G. H^ll, Hall's Lock and Safe Co.; J. B. 
Haydev, clerk at 113 W. Pearl St. ; M. T. Dbakk, book-keeper, Clark & 
Kennedy; Petkr Bell, clerk at M. & C E. E.; Charles Qilb rt, at L.ine 
&Bodley's; Edward Cl rk, clerk at Clark & Kennedy's ; T E. Kennedy, 
commission merchant; E. W. Bowman, commission merchant; W. A. 
Stewart, chemist; J. P. Stew\rt, printer; Mrs. P. P. LaJje, Mrs. Fannie 
Bell, iVJisses Johie Swift, Amanda Langdon, Lucia M- Lv.\e, Fanmb 
Bull, Myra Langdon, Lottie Leopold, and L F. Phipp.^, Henkt 
Leop LD, Heitry Langdon, John Langdon ; H. B. Turrell, Auditor's 
office ; F. L. Fisk, P. O. clerk. 

OAKLEY. 

This new' and handsome suburb, is 11 9-10 miles from the 
M. & C. depot by rail, and 5 miles Irom the Court House, by 
the Madisonville turnpike. Commencing at East Walnut 
Hills, its boundary line stretches about a mile on each side 
of the turnpike, and something over a mile in all directions 
from the post-office at the station. Within one hundred ieet 
of the station, the railroad crosses the turnpike obliquely, 
passing to Madisonville in nearly a straight line, while the 
turnpike road makes a graceful curve to the north, winds 
around eastward, and reaches Madisonville proper, at a dis- 
tance of some two miles. Between the towns of Oakley and 
Madisonville, there seems to be no marked boundary. The 
post-offices of the two places, receive and deliver mail mat- 
ter, for persons living within a mile of their respective offices. 

SCENERY. 

Oakley is less remarkable for fine prospects and splendid 
scenery, than for its being the center of one of the most 
picturesque landscapes on the M. & 0. road. Its position 
is about the center of the amphitheater formed by the 
surrounding hills. Eastward, it is flanked by the sheltering 
forest, that obstructs the view toward Mt. Washington, in the 
distance; but southward, is obtained a fine view ol Mt. Look- 
out and the Observatory, close at hand. North and west, 
splendid views are obtained of Indian Hill and Pleasant 
Ridge, and the sloping banks of the table land as they are 
seen covered with groves, orchards and waving grain. But 



Suburban JTomes, 43 

— — • ■ 

these views are obtained from a sin<2:le point of observation — 
the intersection of the roads. A walk along the turnpike 
either wa^^, or on Columbia avenue, will greatly extend the 
prospect and diversify the landscape. Admirable views can 
also be obtained from second-story windows or balconies. 
The center of the amphitheater or basin being convex, a lit- 
tle elevation enables spectators to enjoy the luxury of a near 
view of the beMutitul landscape, seen to such advantage irom 
Norwood Heights. 

TOPOORAPHT. 

The surface of the land in the vicinity of Oakley, is va- 
riable. Around the station it is nearly level, while near 
the boundaries it is undulating. It is thus well adapted for 
a compact settlement or town, as well as for suburban villas 
for the opulent. 

The elevation of Oakley station is one hundred and eighty- 
two feet above low-water mark, which indicates falling ground 
on all sides, and renders the place susceptible of thorough 
draiaage. 

THB SOIL 

Is variable. On the lower grounds it is inclined to be allu- 
vial, on the high, flat land, is a species of white clay, — well 
enough adapted for grasses, but not good for general farming 
purposes. • 

THE ATM08PHERB 

Is clear and bracing, tempered by surrounding hills and for- 
ests, and the icafer is of the uniformly pure quality, that 
characterizes the north-eastern suburbs. 

THE DRIVES 

And means of access io the city, are numerous. The Madi- 
son ville turnpike passes directly through the town, and the 
East Walnut Hills omnibus stand is only one and a half miles 
from the west end. The Columbia avenue leads from the 
direction of Red Bank toward Pleasant Ridge, and a pleasant 
circuitous drive leads to the Observatory. 

THE INDUSTRIIS 

Of Oakley, are as j^et, not numerous. The principal are the 
wagon and blacksmith shops, one of which is noted for ex- 
cellent work. There are three places in which groceries and 



44 Suburban Homes, 

liquors are sold, in one of which can also be had dry goods. 
Two ol' these stores are connected with inns or taverns, that 
seem to be well patronized by teamsters and others, Avho 
travel on the Madison turnpike. 

THE IMPROVKUENTS 

Consist of about fifty houses, several of which will bear 
favorable comparison with those nearer the city. Within 
five minutes' walk of the station, is the palatial residence of 
Mrs. Taylor, relict of David H. Taylor. This house is built 
with an approach to the Italian style of architecture ; is two- 
stories high, with a Mansard roof, and elaborately finished 
dormer windows on three sides. In front it is entered by a 
portico, supported by tasteful columns ; on the west, is a 
handsome bay window, surmounted with a balustrade; on 
the east, a veranda over a side entrance to the building. 
The body of the house is painted a blue-limestone tint, and 
the ornamental work white. This elegant building is seen to 
great advantage from the cars, and attracts much notice, 
because of the fitness of the style of architecture to the 
location, and the admirable simplicity ol the design. 

Ihe position of the house, is the center of an arc, the chord 
of which is about 1,000 ieet, and forms the front of the 
elegant lawn. In the rear, and stretching forward cres- 
cent-shaped, is a fine forest, that adds materially to the pic- 
turesqueness of the place. 

Near the station is another handsome edifice — the home 
of Taul Schuster. This is a rectangular frame building of 
two-stories, with a balustrade on the roof. In each of the 
front corners is a neat veranda, and on each side bay win- 
dows. This house contains fourteen rooms, and has most of 
the modern conveniences. The house stands in the center 
of a tract of six acres, which has fine frontage, an ample lawn 
and kitchen-garden. In the rear are two carriage houses and 
Btables, and a number of outbuildings. 

Two frame buildings near Mr. Schuster's deserve notice. 
These are respectively the property of J. W. McCord and 
William Buck. A neat little cottage, the home of Mr. Buck 



Suburban Momes, 45 

may be seen opposite Mr. Schuster's — tliis has a well-im- 
proved garden, and other appointments complete. Anthony 
Brown, the former proprietor of the land here, has also a neat 
improvement on the avenue, leading to the Taylor estate. 

On the same side of Mr. Schuster's, is the handsome villa 
of Daniel Andrews, of the firm of Tweed & Andrews, This 
is a brick building, with a lofty tower, having a truncated 
pyramidal slate roof, in "v^hich is an observatory. Two bay 
windows overlook a lawn studded with evergreens, and two 
verandas add to the comfortable and tasteful appearance of 
the edifice. Mr. Andrews is possessed of sufficient good 
taste and good sense, to differ with most suburban property- 
owners, in allowing the brickwork to remain in its natural 
color. To-day, his building seems new, and it will do so for 
many years, till the smoke of a dense settlement effects it as 
it does city property. 

Nearly opposite Mr. Andrews' residence, is that of William 
Parvin. This house is of brick, two-stories high, and designed 
for a Mansard roof, which it is soon to have. The rooms are 
spacious, the ceilings high, and the style of finish of the in- 
terior, chaste. A saloon parlor, thirty-five feet in length, is 
furnished with elegance and taste. A library, dining-room 
and kitchen, are the other apartments on this floor. The 
stairway and second story rooms are finished and furnished 
with the same regard to taste and comfort, as those of the 
first story. Mr. Parvin purposes adding additional rooms to 
his residence, and in the rear, a conservatory. 

Near to this residence, are those, of H. O. Neivman, Dr. O. 
Britton, G. W. Craw^ford, Oscar Gerard, all of whom have 
handsome and comfortable homes. 

Farther west is the handsome residence of Oapt. R. T. 
Coverdale, seen to such advantage in the engraving. This 
properly is located at a convenient distance from the station, 
admitting of a pleasant walk, morning and evening. The 
house is retired a desirable distance from the turnpike road, 
and stands upon a gently rising ground, which in the rear 
and on one side, inclines to a grassy hollow of undulating 
meadow land, through which circulates a current of clear 



48 Subu7'ban Homes, 

a handsome building, with a Mansnrd roof; that of Peter 
Berger, and that of William Wood, all commodious residences. 

North of the station, is a fine building, the property of 
Mrs. Johnston, Avith capacious barn and stables, not far 
distant. Mrs. Johnston's property may be said to be in the 
village of Oakley, and, as it consists in all, of 160 acres, 
some conception of its value may be formed. 

Within about one-quarter of a mile of the station, on Co- 
lumbia avenue, is th.e home of Alfred White, seen in tlie en- 
graving. A plank walk to the premises and a gravel walk 
and carringe drive winding through an expansive lawn, in- 
terspersed with iruit trees, leads to one of those comfortable- 
looking old homesteads, that in interior finish and equipment, 
if not in dimensions and exterior appearance, are fitly called 
mansions. 

Confronting us as we approach the house, are statues of 
Mercury and old grim Winter, the latter suggesting to our mind 
the idea of having the venerable gentleman placed upon a 
superanuated list. But the statue is the only object around 
suggestive of chilling thoughts. The lively stone-color of 
the substantial edifice with its facings of brown, and the trees 
and shrubbery and verdant lawn representing advanced spring 
in her bright and blooming colors, affect us very differently. 

Standing upon the veranda, facing northward, we notice 
that the house is located on the brow of a high bank which 
descends rapidl}^, but not precipitously to a broad meadow, 
into which merges the undulating lawn. On the low ground 
westward, is the old Madisonvdle & Cincinnati load, as it 
follows the course of that almost classic little stream of Duck 
creek. Around, are many of the places and objects noticed 
from other points of observation, from the railroad and the 
station, but the closer view of Pleasant Ridge reveals greater 
irregularity of surface, and still more picturesque scenery. 
Here, the gracefully curving knolls and banks descend into 
lower hollows and valleys, that in some places expand into 
broad green meadows. The high hills ol Mt. Lookout, the 
promontory ol Walnut Hills is in plain view, as well the 
suburban homes and the wooded lands not fiir distant. 



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Suburban Homes, 49 



Entering the house, we find the interior just what we ex- 
pected—a place filled with all the conveniences and coniibrts 
that an enterp:ising successiul city business man would be 
likely to provide. The rooms are numerous and easily acces- 
sible. There were, reception, family, and dining rooms, par- 
lor, chambers and kitchen, pantry, dairy and scullery, and 
water all over the house. And though not well adapted for 
large gatherings, this pleasant home is most admirably suited 
for the accommodation of a large circle of familiar friends. 

Looking over the yard, we noticed a great variety of poul- 
tr}^, and met three bright little boys of five to ten years, 
having their hats filled with evidences of the productiveness 
of that department, to the number of three dozen. Over a 
fence, we saw other evidences of successful suburban farm- 
ing and country living, in the browsing cattle, awaiting the 
attentions of the milk-maid. But we were hurried oIF to 
enjoy the pleasure of a ride, and an interview with an opu- 
lent neighbor, J. T. Pugsley. 

Mr. Tugsley's residence is about a quarter of a mile from 
Mr. White's; is a two story frame building, occupying a high 
plateau that overlooks the creek and meadow below, and is 
approached by a curving drive from the road in the valley. 
Finding the gentlemanly proprietor of this handsome rural 
retreat at home, we were invited to dismount and enter the 
parlor. A glance at the surroundings quickly convinced us 
of the skill and taste and refinement of others besides our 
host in this establishment. Numerous plants and flowers of 
too delicate growth for outside exposure, adorned sills and 
casements and mantels, and occupied the snug little con- 
servatory opening into the parlor by graceful archways on 
either side of the fireplace. 

Around the house are plenty of fruit trees, and before it, 
an extensive lawn. Near by, are the remains of the native 
woods and forest groves, and beyond, a fine prospect of the 
country south war 1. 

Adjoining Mr. Pugsley's place on the north, is a tract of 
beautiful timbered land, of eight acre>, belonging to Mr. 



60 S7ibtcrba?i Pontes, 

White. This fronts on the old road, and extends nearly to 
the Madisonville turnpike road. 

When talking on the subject of property and his beautiful 
homestead, we were surprised to learn that the whole place 
had been laid out in building lots of half an acre to six acres. 
But that is only the natural result of suburban farming. 
Property bought at hundreds of dollars per acre, soon in- 
creases to thousands, and is too valuable for farming purposes, 
and represents too much capital to be allowed to lie unem- 
ployed. 

Near to Mr. White, and on the line of the Pleasant Ridge 
road, is a large tract of land that was laid out in lots some 
years ago, under the name of Barton & Carpenter's subdi- 
vision at Oakley. A portion of this is owned by Dr. Dawson, 
and will probably be for sale. 

J. B. McClyman's residence is some distance farther out on 
this avenue, and is a two-story frame building. The residence 
stands upon a high bluff, above Duck creek, and comfortably 
near are all the appliances for farming and gardening, on a 
scale adapted to the wants and tastes of a city professional 
man. Still farther out on this avenue, and near to Pleasant 
Ridge, is the property of H. L. Fry, distinguished as an artist 
in wood. Mr. Fry's loss of a year ago, our readers will re- 
member. In a comfortable cottage-home, he had gathered 
one of the finest collections of curious art, to be found in the 
West, which, with his many other valuables, his furniture, and 
his cottage-home, were burned in an hour. 

Mr. Fry has extemporized a dwelling suited to his immedi- 
ate wants, until he is enabled to erect another home. Hav- 
ing some twenty acres of ground, it is his intention to dispose 
of a part sufficient for this purpose, or to sell the. whole and 
build where property is less valuable. 

We may slate en p issant, that Mr. Fry is the gentleman 
whose elaborate artistic carving in the residence of Joseph 
Longworth, has secured such merited encomiums. 

THE PRICES OP PROPERTY 

Here, as elseAvhere, are variable. Within two squares of the 
station, and on the turnpike road, lots sell at $25 per front 



Subu7'ba7i Homes. 51 



foot. Less eligible lots sell for %(j to $10, and larger tracts 
at the distance of halt a mile Irom the station, ironi |500 to 
$1,000 an acre. 

THF. COST OF BUILDINQ MATERIAL, 

And of building, is about the same as at Madisonville. 



■ A new brick school house, within a short distance of the 
station, accommodates that class of children, who are not yet 
prepared for the high school. As the village is settled, ad- 
ditions will be made, and perhaps a more centred loc ition 
selected. The school is in a prosperous condition, and ujider 
the management of H. Bodine. Schools of a higher grade 
are within a distance of a mile and a half. 

THE CHURCHES 

At Madisonville and Pleasant Ridge, have so for accommo- 
dated the people here, but now it is intended to erect a build- 
ing adapted for general church purposes, as well as lor those 
of concerts and lectures. A joinl stock compan^^, incorpora- 
ted by the following gentlemen, wdll erect, at an early day, a 
handsome building, to be ornamented with a tower: K. T. 
Coverdale, Alfred White, J. W. McCord, Paul Schuster aijd 
J. J. Childs. 

THE HISTORY 

And settlement of Oakley, require but little writing. Some 
four or five years ago the place was a farming district, and 
the property around the station owned by Anthony Brown. 
Mr. Brown sold 3^ 35-100 acres to Paul Schuster, who sub- 
divided and sold to various persons, who have improved their 
property, as heretofore described. Oakley is still in its infancy, 
and being favorably located as to roads of various kinds, and 
in such close proximity to the city, its dense settlement is 
only a question of time. 

SOCIETIES. 

Oakley boasts of a literary and musical society, known as 
the Oakley Coterie, which holds its meetings every two 
weeks. 



52 Suburban JTomes, 

C0MMUT0R3. 

Most of the commutors at this place, are well-known 
business and professional men The following is the list: 

Alfred White, marble and monumental business; Rey. Robert Sdttox, 
Tract Society rooms; J. W. McCord, Secretary Enterprise Insurance Co.; 
R. Archibald; J. B McClyman, attorney-at-law ; Wm. Parvin, retired; 
G. W. Parnell, commission merchant; 0. Britton, commission mer- 
chant; Daniel Andrews, Tweed & Andrews, wholesale grocers; J. J. 
Childs, Tanner & Co., book and job printers; Paul Schuster, attorney-at- 
law; W Brower, retired; M. Carpenter, real estate agent; James Gill, 
Mitchell & Raramelsburg Co.; H 0. Newman, financial agent Snider §t 
Hoole ; Oscar Gerard, musician; E. Ward, general business; John Tan- 
ner, Tanner & Co., printers; W. R. McComas, designer and sketcher; W. H. 
Parcher, at Hopkins & Co.'s ; Petcr Berger, pattern maker; T. B. Bare, 
carpenter and builder; II. L. Fry, artistic wood carver; D. E. Fletcher, 
watchmaker; II. W. Taylor, D. II. Taylor & Co., tanners, and leather 
dealers; Walter White George Reiter, Mrs. A. White, and Misses Clara 
White, Ella Taylor, Belle McClyman, and Nora Fkt. 

MADISONVILLE. 

The town of Madisonville, like its sister suburb, is located 
chiefly on the line of the turnpike of the same name. Its 
distance from Oakley has already been considered — the post- 
offices of the two places being about two miles apart. Since 
the construction of the M. & C. Eailroad, settlement in this 
place liDS taken a new direction, and the style of architecture 
been materially improved. Quite a number of neat and sub- 
stantial brick buildings now cluster around the station, and a 
number of villas ornament some of the knolls and neighbor- 
ing plains. The town is nearly a mile in length, and after 
making a graceful curve, extends all the way to the b'ase of 
Indian Hill. As it continues to grow, streets are bei.-ig laid 
out and subdivisions added that promise soon to build it up 
into a handsome city. 

the scenery 
Of Marlisonville, is- as variable as the numerous kno'^s nud 
points of observation. On the north and west, are seen the 
slopes of Pleasant Ridge and Indian Hill close by, and on the 
east and south, a long stretch of fertile valley, reaching to 
and beyond the Little Miami. Here and there the landscape 



Suburban Uotnes, 53 

is enriched with forest groves and fruitful orchards, some of 
which extend to the slopes of Mt. Washington. From the 
knolls are seen Walnut Hills, Mt. Lookout, and Norwood 
Heights 

INDUSTRIES OF MADISON VILLE. 

Stone atvd Marble yard — James Julian ; Planing Mill and Sash factory — 
Chas. Hahn; Tinning and Roofing — Robert Redman and John Arnold; 
Painting— David Holden and William Brooks, Wieskapf, Sherman, Pren 
& Elliott; Plasterer — J. T. Clephane; Blacksmiths— Theodore Markman, 
Chas. Brehne ; Saddlery — George Saur ; Carriage Builder — M. Bodine ; 
Wagon Makers — Martin Lemond, Henry Smith ; Shoemakers — L. Bosom and 
others ; Merchant Tailor — D. Mathus ; Meat Stores — There are three of these ; 
Grocers md Dry Goods — Sprague & Aikens, Maffit Bro's; Grocers — W. C. 
Morton, John Butz, Jacob Brower, George Hoendel, Zinguly ; Hotel -John 
Bie/5seringer ; Saloons — Of these there are three besides the liotel ; Jewelry 
and Watchmaking — A. Wahl ; Tanner John Lindsay ; Drug Store — Dr. P. 
W. Hill; Cabinet Maker, etc.— T. Maphet ; Bakery— L. Vitt; There are 
also two fashionable dress makers. 

Professions: Physicians— Dr. J. O. Marsh, Dr. C. S. Matz, Dr. J. A. Black. 
Dr. Hill does an office and prescription business, and is an accomplished 
dentist. 

Lawyers — Jas. S. White and Geo. Stearns, 



Common labor, per day $1 50 

Hod&irriers $1 75 to 2 00 

Brick layers 3 <'0 to 4 » 

Stonemasons 3 00 to 3 50 



Carpenters $2 50 to $3 00 

Plastering, per yard 3'> to 40 

Painting and paper-hanging at city 
prices. 



MATERIVL. 

Lumber, $1 00 per thousand, above city ] rices. 

Brick, $9 00 per thousand ; in the wall, $13 OJ. 

Sand, per p-rch, $1 75. 

Building stone, per perch, $1 73. 

Lime per bushel, 3'> cents. 

Cost per room of a plain bri 'k builditi<j, cellar under tlie whole house, $400. 

Freight from the city— car load, 20,000 pounds, $12; per ton of 2,268 
pounds, $1 5\ 

Fare to commutors, per month, $5 75. 

Distances from the city by railroad 13 9-10 miles; by turnpike, eight miles ; 
from Oakley, two miles ; Madeira, three miles ; Pleasant Ridge, three miles ; 
Montgomery, four miles. 

Elevation, by low water mnrk, 16'2 feet. 

Drives. — There are several good roads, the principal of which are the Madi- 
fonville pike and the Columbia road. An avenue winding around the hill L« 
now being opened by Mr. Cornuelle, which will make a delightful drive. 



54 Subtt7'ba7i JTonies, 



THE ATMOSPHERE 

Of Madisonville difters little ii'om that of Oakley. • Being 
some twenty feet lower at the station, it is more sheltered, 
and the soil toward the hillside being gravelly, the drainage 
is fair and the water pure. 

THE 8UBFACE, 

As intimated, is variable. Around the station it is undula- 
ting; to the east, it is nearly level; on the line of the pike 
i^hicli is the old town, it is generally level. 

THE SOIL 

Is comparatively light and loamy, well adapted for gardens, 
orchards, vineyards, etc., several of which are close at hand. 

THE DRIVES 

Are the turnpike road, a road leading toward Columbia and 
one over Indian Hill, towMrd the Montgomery turnpike. A 
fine avenue has been laid out by Mr. Cornuelle, on the slopes, 
of Indian Hill, which will be one of the finest about Cincinnati, 
commanding as it does, a scope of view encompassing the 
amphitheater that awaits settlement by the thousands of 
Cincinnati. 

THE IMPROVEMENTS 

Of Madisonville, are indicative of its history. Some of its 
cabins might have been erected a century ago, so primitive 
are their appearance, while quite a number ot tasteful substan- 
tial buildings, demonstrate the presence of wealth and re- 
finement — this in the old town. In the new, we have the 
improvements referred to — such places as city business men 
of moderate means and others in affluent circumstances 
might be supposed to make. 

BUILDINQ ASSOCIATIONS. 

There are two building associations, known as the Madison 
Building Association No. 1, and a branch of the Star Building 
Association. The former has been in existence three years, 
the latter was established last year. The object of these 
associations is to enable members to accumuhite in an easy 
manner, the necessary capital for acquiring a home or estab- 
lishing themselves in business, or to deposit their savings 



Suburba?i Homes, 55 

securely at a lair rate of interest. Reference to their re- 
spective organizations will be found under the head of Build- 
iniz; Associations. 

The officers of tlie Madisonville Association are: President^ 
H. B. Wlietsel; Vice-President. M. Buckel; Treasurer, E. L. 
Miich;nore; Secretary, James Julian. This society has dis- 
posed of 130 shares. 

The Secretary and Treasurer of the Star Building Associa- 
tion is M. Buckel. 

METHODIST RPTSCOPAL CHURCn. 

This is a commodious brick building with a spire. Its di- 
mensions are forty by sixty feet, and capacity about 400. 
This building was erected in 1857, and is considered worth 
about $10,000. The membership is about 175, and the con- 
gregation about 300. Its being the only protestant church 
building in the town, accounts for the disparity between the 
membership and attendance. Services are held forenoon and 
evening. On the same lot is the parsonage — a handsome 
brick building, two-stories high, and valued at $1,500. The 
present occupant is the Rev. E. T. Wells, an active worker in 
the church, and whose excellent lady proved a valuable ac- 
cession to the ladies' movement against intemperance. 

Connected with this church is a SccblatJi School under the 
superintendence of A. S. Butterfield, with an attendance of 
20 J persons, ranging from four years of age to eighty-nine. 
The ol 'est scholar is Captain Giffins, who has been a faithful 
attendant since the first organization of the school. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

This is a new and h-rndsome brick building, in the gothic 
style of architecture, with a spire of 112 feet. It is located 
in the Rev. A. Walburg's addition to the town, and measures 
seventy-six by forty-four feet, with a forty foot ceiling. The 
building is trimmed with freestone moldings, etc., and, with 
its large central window ot richly carved glass, presents a 
handsome appearance m front. This is a fine specimen of a 
sul)urbap church building, and should suggest to members of 
other denominations residing in Madisonville, to emulate its 
founders, esx^ecially as the town can furnish all the material 



66 Subu7'ban STomes, 

and skill necessary to erect one. With the exception of the 
cornices, Avhich are of galvanized iron, the entire work was 
put up by Madisonville mechanics. 

The foundations were built by Adam Stuver, the freestone 
work was put up by James Julian, the carpenter Avork was 
done by Charles Hahn, the brick work by Louis Cornuelle, 
and the plastering by Clephane Bro's. The cost of the build- 
ing was $14,000, and was chiefly borne by tlie pastor, who a 
few years ago purchased a tract of land, which has proved a 
valuable investment. Of this tract, Mr. Walburg reserved 
for church and school purposes, the lot upon which both 
church and school now stand. This lot has a frontage ol 250 
feet and a depth of 150 feet. 

The membership of the congregation is 300. Regular 
service is held every Sunday. The church, like the school, is 
sustained by voluntary contributions, and chiefly by members 
of the congregation. 

THE SCHOOL HOUSE 

Is a brick building, capable of accommodating about 200 
children. The attendance dt present is forty-seven 

LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

This is a two-story building, thirty-two by fifty- four feet, 
with accommodations for 350 people. The number oi mem- 
bers is 225, and the pastor He v. J. G. Theis. 

The trustees are George Linder, Henry Whetholder and 
Henry Roe hue. 

The school iu connection with this place of worship num- 
bers forty scholars, and is supported by voluntary contribu- 
tions from the members. 

The cost of the building was |7,000. 

THE OTHER DENOMINATIONS 

Are Presbyterians who number less than a dozen, and the 
Baptists who estimate their number at twenty-five^ The 
former worship with the Methodists, and the latter attend the 
church of their own denomination, at Duck creek, not lar 
distant. 



Subu7'ban Pontes, 57 



PDDLIC SCHOOLS. 

The public scliools of Madisoiiville, consist of four clepart- 
meiits, named as follows: Primary, C grade, Intermediate and 
High School. These are all conducted and held in the hand- 
some school building which presents such an imposing ap- 
pearance to passengers in the cars. 

The entire number of scholars in attendance, is 180, di- 
vided among the several departments — Primary department, 
56 ; C grade, 52 ; Intermediate, 40 ; High School, 38. 

The studies in the High School include the sciences, Greek 
and Latin, and the teachers in all the departments are L. A 
Knight, principal; S. S. Knight, and Misses Bertherine IIos- 
broolc, ajid Mary Huntington, assistants. 

niis school is entirely independent of the city schools, and 
affords facihties for study equal to any public school in the 
suburbs. 

SOCIETIES. 

Madisonvi'le has a literary and musical society, which 
meets every Friday evening in the Odd-Fellows' Hall, and is 
known as the '• Madison ville Literary and Musical Associa- 
tion." The membership is fH'ty-five, officered as follows: 
President, IL B. Whetsel; Vice-President, George W. Bain; 
Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Lumbeck ; Critic, Dr. J. M. Wul- 
den, D. D. ; Leader of Music, Wm. L. Perkins. 

The Young Folks Benevolent Society of Madisonville, is 
another organization composed of young people Irom twelve to 
sixteen years of tige. The two-fold object of this society is the 
literary and social culture of its members, and to provide for 
the poor. The society gives an entertainment every month, 
and has now for its officeis, George B. Emerson, President; 
E. N. Hidden, Secretary; Thos. B. Hill, Treasurer; Leonard 
Walden, Manager; Frank W. Hill, General Ticket Agent. 
Among the members are the following named Misses : Lillie 
Stone, Lula M. Bates, Minnie Walden, Emma E. Peabod\, 
Kitty Stone. 

THE ODD-FKLLOWS 

Are a strong body in this village, owning the building in 
which is their elegant hall and the cemetery— in the eastern 



68 Subu7'ha7i Jlomes. 



part of the town ; their property is estimated at $15,000. Tlie 
membership is iorty-one ; of tlie Encampment, ihirty-seveii. 
The offices of the former are: Thomas Fiinn, N. G. ; E. A. 
Conldiiig, V. G. ; A. Brown, Treasurer; John Bhick, ecre- 
tary. Of the hitter, Foster Todd, C. P.; Wm. M. DeMar, ir. 
P.; E. L. Muchmore, S. W.; William Ammerman, J. W. ; 
George E. Stearns, Scribe ; Anthony Brown, Treasurer. 

THE MASONIC FRATERNITY 

Meet at their lodge, over the store of Spragne & Aikins, and 
reckon a membership of over thirty. This organization is in 
fine working condition, and is one of the most prosperous in 
the county. The following is the list of officers : J. A. Ward, 
W. M.; P. N. Hill, S. W.; T. A. Moore, J. W. ; Wm. Brooks, 
S. D. ; G. Ammerman, J. D. ; G. M. Bacon, Secretary, and 
Anthony Brown, Treasurer. 

HISTORY AND ANNALS. 

Though the records of the township have been l<ept at 
Madison, we have found it difficult to obtain much informa- 
tion regarding the early settlement of either town or town- 
ship. The first record of township officers was made April 
4th, 1803, when Samuel Sheppard was elected chairman, and 
James Murch, clerk, and James McKnight, N. S. Armstrong, 
John Seeman, and John EUiott, trustees. Two years after- 
ward, the whole number of votes polled in the township, 
was thirty-two. 

An act granting section 16 of Miami Purchase, for school 
purposes, passed the legislature January 27, 1809, and the 
following officers were elected on 3rd of April, of the same 
year: Trustees — John Jones, James Baxter, and Willhtm 
Armstrong; Clerk — Moses Morrison. 

The town was then named Madison, in honor of tlie Presi- 
dent, who was inaugurated the previous month, and though 
the post-office of the place was afterward, (in 1826) named 
Madisonville, to prevent confusion in the mails, the town 
proper retains the original name of Madison. 

Following closely after the record of town officers, are the 
records of leases, showing that the accruing rents were to be 



Subti7^ba7i IIo?nes, 59 

applied to school purpose^^. These leases were drawn for 
ninety-nine years, the fi st being IVoni John Jones, Felix 
Grossman and William Armstronir, on behalf of the town, to 
William and John Armstrong. Three years ago the last of 
these leases were canceled and snrrendered to the Slate, and 
deeds exchanged; and while we were in the office, a question 
arose as to what disposition should be made of a sum of 
money received the same day, on account of one of said 
leases. 

Town lots were laid out on the 10th of April, 1810. 

The first election in the township was held in the old 
homestead, now owned and occupied by Eli Muchmore, then 
the property of his grandlather, Kli 8. Muchmore. When 
Mr. Muchmore landed in Cincinnati, he had sufficient means 
to purchase the whole tract upon which it now stands, but 
fearing it would be a sickly place, he chose to purchase a 
tier of sections in adjoining townships. 

During the early history of the township, it was customary 
to board the poor at the farm-houses, the pauper being sold 
at auction, to the highest bidder. Some of these bids we 
noticed did not exceed one dollar per week. It was also the 
province of the constable to notify strangers that were sup- 
posed to be in indigent circumstances, that the township 
would not be responsible for their support. The following 
we extracted from a record made in 182G : '' An order to 

John Jones, constable, for warning B R and lamily, 

* * * * to depart the township; also, for warning five 
supervisors to attend to be sworn into office." 

Among the annals may also be seen a book containing the 
records of the "ear-marks" for stock. These marks are re- 
presented in diagrams, wdiicli are accompanied with a key, 
and in 1791, numbered up to 170. The last record stands 
thus : 

" Moses Osborn, having removed out of the township, his 
mark is transferred to Henry Lockwood; which mark is two 
slits in the right ear." 

Madison Avas at one time noted for the number of its dis- 
tilleries, wdiich used to attract large g;itherings from the 



60 Subzt}*ba?i Ilo?Jies, 

BuiToiiiiclinii; country, aiul be the occasion of mucli jollity 
and (lissipalion. ]\Ien would spend llieir time in gaming and 
willi outdoor manly and unm nily sports, until the assembly 
would brenk up in a general Donney brook fair. 

Traces of the distilleries seem to have disappeared, which 
was accounted for on the ground that as soon as transporta- 
tion tor grain and pork was opened ujj, the corn that had 
been shipped in the compact form of whisky, brought higher 
prices in bulk and in pork. 

Vestiges of the tanning business remain, one of which we 
noticed on a piece of ground recently purchased by Col. 
White. 

]\Iadison was also the home of several men Avho became 
distinguished members of tiie body politic. Among them 
we may mention Dr. Alexander Duncan, a well-known Mem- 
ber of congress, who disappointed his Democratic friends by 
stepping over to Free Soil. One who made his mark and his 
money in the insurance business, when there was money in 
it, was Lewis Clason, who was well known in Cincinnati. 
Madison was also the early home of James Whitcomb, who 
was afterward Governor of Indiana. Old citizens tell some 
amusing stories about the youth of this intrepid lawyer and 
statesman. One ot these relates to his love for, and devotion 
to piscatory pursuits, which were so strong as to render hnn 
oblivious to the condition of his toilet. Linen would fre- 
quently disjjlay itself where it was impossible for one so ab- 
stracted to be conscious ot it^ and where its obtrusion was 
sure to excite the laughter of b3^standers; but that circum- 
stance did not interfere with his success as an amateur sports- 
man and an enterprising vender of fresh fish. He made 
money enough to buy himself books, and enable him to at- 
tend school, worked hard and studied harder; was a keen- 
lawyer and active politician, and so literally raised himself 
from penury to the highest office of State. He afterward 
became a member of the United States Senate, where sick- 
ness overtook him and he died. 

Cotemporaneous with the history of Madison, is that of the 
history ot some of the surviving citizens, from one of whom, 



Suburban Jlomes, 61 

William Moore, we received much valuable information. 
Mr. Moore is eighty-seven years of age, and bids fairly to ap- 
proximate to the century He is a lively and intelligent 
conversationalist, and retains dates and events with rem trka- 
ble tenacity. When examining the records we found him 
generally accurate, and noticed that he could repeat vevha- 
tim^ the long forms and awkw^ard phraseology of the early 
leases. He came from Virginia, and made Madison his home 
in 1811, when there were about twenty buildings in the town. 
At one time he kept a tavern, at another a country store, 
then he managed successively a brick yard and a nursery. 
He also seems to have made the circuit of all the town and 
townsliip offices from constable to magistrate. As clerk, the 
books show that he made creditable records ; as a citizen, his 
record seems quite as clear and creditable. 

The oldest citizen is Samuel Earhart, who was born January 
22d, 1784. Next to him is Esq. Isaac Giffin, born August 
24th, 1785. Mrs. Hattie Ward is the same age as Mr. Moore. 
Mrs. Duncan, Ayres Bramble, Col. I. F. Waring and Timothy 
Maphet, are all respectively about seventy-five years of age. 

During a pleasant interview vWth Mr. Bramble, many inter- 
esting facts w^ere elicited regarding the early settlements, 
and some anecdotes, of which we can give only a few. 

Mr. Bramble's father and family, with three other families, 
emigrated from Barnsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 
1806, taking with them in their boat of twelve by twenty- 
four, a horse, a cow, and a " big black dog." The entire 
wealth of the company was represented in one hundred dol- 
lars of Spanish silver coin, and that was the property of Mr. 
Bramble. They arrived in safety near the mouth of the 
Little Miami, but the broken character of the land, and the 
sickly hue of the settlers, discouraged Mr. Bramble for the 
time being; so he waited by the river side for a passing keel- 
boat to take him back to his old home. While waiting in a 
state of uncertainty, a proposition was made to him to settle 
near the present site of Madison, w^hich he accepted. Houses 
being scarce, he was obliged to take up his residence for the 
first six months, in an unfinished log church, which was 



62 Subii7*ban JTojiies. 



■without doors and windows. That year a heavy snow storm 
was experienced about the first of October, which compelled 
him to seek more comfortable quarters. 

It was an early winter, but 1806 was remarkable for 
strange freaks of nature. That year, February the 7th, 
proved to be the coldest day ever experienced in this lati- 
tude. Old settlers talk of it as cold Friday, in contradistinc 
lion to ordinarily cold winter days; and in 1806 was the 
great eclipse. 

Mr. Bramble distinctly remembers his being present at the 
raisitig ol the first log house in Madison, winch took place in 
1809, when he was ten years of age. The building was after- 
ward used as a hotel, and was kept by Col. William I'erry, 
from Kentucky, an enterprising citizen, who seldom allowed 
himself to be sober. 

The following year, 1810, was remarkable for the tide of 
immigration that set in from the adjoining State, Kentucky. 
Thousands of the colored inhabitants, black and brown, aban- 
doned their homes, swa\m the river, and landed on the fertile 
bottoms of O'.iio. They came unarmed, without sword or 
spear, musket or ammunition, or other munitions of war than 
those bestowed upon (hem by nature. Immediately on land- 
ing they dispersed among the woods, prepared themselves 
log cabins, or built more tempornry structures, and set up 
house-keeping. Nothing could be more peaceable than their 
intentions. No class of citizens could have been more active, 
industrious, frugal, or cleanly in their habits. But though as a 
class, they were concede 1 to be productive ; in political econo- 
my they were ranked as nonproducers, and accordingly were 
doomed to suffer persecution. Then, every white man was a 
Granger. Middlemen had not yet found their wny out West; 
so war was immediately declared agninst the intruders, and 
every man, woman and child arrayed themselves against these 
unarmed and inoffensive immigrants— Avar to the knife — bit- 
ter, relentless, exterminating war was waged, and speedily 
raged. From the township, the war sentiment extended to 
the county, from the county to the State, until the legislature 
actually passed a law for the extinction of the races, black 



Subzi7^ban iro7Jies, 63 

and brown indiscriminately. Every atrocity was then prac- 
ticed and encouraged, and scalping commanded a high pre- 
mium. — In 1811, the payment of taxes in squirrel pelts was 
legalized. 

In 1811, was also the great earthquake, which rent the 
foundation of the first frame house built in Madison — one 
erected by Paddy McCollum, a man of note at the time. 
Whether the earthquake had anything to do with the act of 
legislature and subsequent slaughter, our informant did not 
say. 

As might be expected, the schools of that day were not 
conducted with the highest degree of efficiency. Mr. Bram- 
ble's teacher was an Irishman, named John Wallace, who was 
intoxicated half his time, and would play ball with the boys 
half the balance. In proof of that Mr. B. said he attended 
school five winters before he got out of his " Abs." 

Mr. Bramble was both a farmer and a trader in his boy- 
hood, and sold corn and patatoes at ten cents a bushel in 
Cincinnati. Then property was equally cheap. School section 
sixteen was under lease to farmers and others, and the lease 
of a tract of forty acres of it was sold in 1810, for a plough- 
share, then for a barrel of whisky, and afterward to Mr. Bram- 
ble for ^60. 

One of the early incidents of the settlement, was the kill- 
ing of two of the citizens by the Indians. A brother of 
Captain Giffin, and a father and son named Paul, were out in 
search for hogs when discovered by the Indians, who gave 
chase, overtook Giffin and shot him, and afterward shot the 
elder Paul. Young Paul could have made his escape with 
little trouble, as the station was near, but anxious to save 
his father, he stopped in shelter of the trees, and with his 
rifle kept the Indians at bay as long as his father's strength 
held out. The latter finding escape hopeless, sent his son off, 
and resigned himself to his fate. 

Another incident of a later date took place east of Madi- 
son, when the victim was an Indian. AVest of Madison was 
a station known as Nelson's, where were horses pasturing. 
A party of Indians on their way toward the hills, rode off 



64 Subu7^ban JIoujcs. 



with some of these, one of whicli was Iioppled. Nelson and 
others of the fort, made pursuit, but failed in overtaking any 
except the one on the hoppled horse, whom Nelson shot^ 
when near the site of the present residence of Esq. Clason. 
There, the Indian was buried, and the circumstance turned 
to account by naming the p'ace Indian Hill. 

Esq. Clason says that many years afterward the grave was 
discovered by accident, and the jaw bone secured as a relic 
in his famil}^ Judging from the relic, he says the Iiidian 
must have been a giant in proportions. 

One of the few mechanics of the place was Jeremiah 
Brand, a plowmaker, and the best in the county. Brind was 
an industrious, honest workman, and a good citizen ; and, even 
for the times, primitive in his habits and his wardrobe. He 
never wore shoes, and so contrived his nether garment that 
a single button sufficed to maintain it in its proper position. 
That button was alike remarkable for its size, brillianc}^, and 
conspicuity. 

In Brand's time a local law was enacted requiring every 
man attending meeting to bring his musket and ammunition, 
or pay a fine of one dollar. This was pretty hard on poor 
Brand, who was perfectly innocent of the use of firearms. 
What did he want with a musket when he was as fleet-footed 
as an Indian? But he went to meeting — was duly fined in 
his dollar, and as duly absented himself thereafter until the 
author of the objectionable law remitted his fine. Brand 
died in 1856. 

Though esteemed a man of wealth, Mr. Bramble is not 
ashamed to refer to his humble beginning. Indeed, he seems 
to take peculiar pleasure in reciting the hardships and priva- 
tions, as well as the amusements oi those early dnys. He 
was married in 1828, to a daughter of Benjamin Stites, so 
well known in the early history of Hamilton county, and his 
housekeeping outfit consisted of a bed and bedstead, a pot 
and skillet, a barrel of flour and two hams. That he has 
made a good use of his opportunities, may be inferred from 
the fact that after sustaining heavy losses, his property is 
worth $150,000. An expert in pork, and a good financier, 



Subti7^ba7i Homes, 65 

he continues to operate largely in the business in which he 
has made so much money, and is one of the most active 
men on 'Change. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

A substantial, if not an elegant improvement, is the resi- 
dence of 0. 8. Ebersole. This is a handsome cottage, with 
high ceilings and roomy attic, and is located on a lot of 
ground that might be 100 feet square. The building is re- 
tired about half way from the front of the lot, and is ap- 
proached by a walk covered with shells, and entered by a 
veranda. A large hall runs through the center of the house, 
and on one side of it a saloon-parlor of ample dimensions and 
a family room ; on the other side are library, reception and 
dining rooms. 

The hall is one of those spacious entries that bespeak hos- 
pitality, and makes the visitor feel at home. The ceilings are 
high and finished in elaborate stucco and plaster work, and 
the whole house is finished in a style of luxury, quite incon- 
sistent with the humble name given to it by its opulent pro- 
prietor — ^The Log Cabin. 

Mr, Ebersole is one of the old settlers of Columbia town- 
ship. His father. Christian Ebersole, was a Maryland farmer, 
who settled near the mouth of the Little Miami, in 1802, and 
in 1808 erected the old homestead, now occupied by Thomas 
Brooks. Mr. C. S. Ebersole was born in 1799, settled in 
Oakley in 1843, sold out and located where he now is in 
1871. He continues to hold the homestead property of 180 
acres, besides several tracts of building property in Madison- 
ville and elsewhere. 

One of the most cozy old homesteads that we have visited, 
is the residence of Col. James S. White, seen in a northerly 
direction from the station, and distant from it about three 
squares. This edifice is known to be a substantial brick 
building, of some fourteen rooms, which has recently been 
modernized with projecting eaves and cornices, and is soon to 
have a full front veranda and bay windows. The house is a 
little retired from the street, and is entered by a portico. 
On each side of the hall is a parlor, which together would 
5 



(56 Subu7'ba7i ^077ies, 

make a saloon eighteen by forty feet. Sitting, family, and 
dining rooms, library, chambers, kitchen, pantry, etc., make 
up a suite that are finished and furnished in a style to meet 
the wants of a millionaire, or gratify the taste of a member 
of the Society of Friends. But the house, though a compo- 
nent part of the home, is not all of the homestead. Con- 
nected with it are fourteen acres of ground under careful 
and skillful cultivation, for more than as many years, and 
yielding in great profusion, fruit, flowers, and vegetables that 
the climate affords, besides choice plants and flowers not in- 
digenous to climate or soil, are also essential components of 
this charming village home. 

Of these fourteen acres, four consist of a vineyard of select 
varieties ol grape in good bearing condition. An orchard of 
ten acres contains apple, peach, pear and quince trees of the 
best engrafted fruit. Blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries, 
strawberries, currants, occupy considerable space, while a 
few acres are devoted to the culture of vegetables, one of 
which continues to be monopolized by the tender asparagus, 
so eagerly sought after by the Colonel's friends. 

Garden and orchard being located on a little promontory or 
a spur of Indian Hill, and sufficiently removed from the delete- 
rious influences of the neighboring creek, are remarkable for 
their regular succession of yearly crops. The soil is loamy, 
and the banks of the ravines are watered by perpetual 
springs. On such a favored spot, gardening is not a difficult 
art, while skillful gardening is attended with the most grati- 
fying results. As a member of the Hamilton County Horti- 
cultural Society, the Colonel has demonstrated this. Though 
seldom a competitor for prizes, his fruit and vegetables have 
secured the highest commendations. Having taken lessons 
from him in the flying cars, the writer can testify to his en- 
thusiasm in the fine art of gardening, and to his having, like 
other enthusiasts, his specialty. Need we inform our readers 
on the M. & C. road what that specialty is ? Who that knows 
him as a genial lover of good things, does not know that it is 
the culture of that more tender vegetable, the squash ? He 
keeps the best seeds, grows the best crops, and feasts his 



Suburban Homes, 67 

friends on the most luscious fruit of that i)eculiar vine. Not 
having dined with our friend, we can not state that tlie pro- 
fusion of this article at dinner Avould be suggestive of Dean 
Swifts' grace at the table of the rabbit (ancier, but with the 
substitution of one word and the omission of another, we 
opine the Dean's stanza would be quite apropos. 

In floriculture, the Colonel does not profess to be an adept. 
That department of the garden is under the care and super- 
intendence of the ladies, in whose hands its dimensions are 
so rapidly increasing, that less than a complete conservatory- 
will not suffice for their purposes. 

In conclusion, we may state that one of the attractive 
features of this desirable home, is its rural appearance, and 
tlie amount of shade and shelter for the choristers of the 
feathered tribe. Thousands of singing birds, make the air 
resonant with their cheerful songs, and fix their residence 
there, where shaded and protected from sun and intruders, 
they are free to live on the abundance of fruit and pure 
water that the place affords. 

E. S. Emerson is the proprietor of a beautiful piece of pro- 
perty, on which is a handsome modern brick house, with veran- 
das, bay windows, and an ornamental slate roof. This edifice 
stands on a beautiful rising ground, that overlooks the entire 
village and the country around. It is well retired from the 
street, and partially concealed by the large and thriity ever- 
greens that intersperse the lawn. The front is fenced with a 
broad well-trimmed hedge of osage orange, that admits of a 
clear view of the premises from the sidewalk. 

Nearly opposite, is the residence of S. Faulkner, an elegant 
modern-built spacious frame building, with piazas. Tliis 
house stands upon a gentle knoll, that gracefully descends to an 
ample front of 1,000 feet. An apple orchard, with a beautiful 
clean green sward on the west, a portion of the wide lawn on 
Wq east, and the garden and lofty and tasteful stable and car- 
riage house on the south and in the rear. The walks are 
symmetrically laid out, and kept in exquisite order with 
roller and trimmer, and the whole place presents the appear- 
ance of ease and affluence. 



68 Suburha?! Jlomes, 



The residence of A. S. Butterfield adjoins that of Mr. 
Emerson, and is fenced by a continuation of the same beau- 
tiful hedge, and located upon the same admirable knoll or 
rising ground. The house is a brick structure, with a portico 
in front and verandas surmounted with balustrades, and com- 
manding extensive ranges of view. This house, and that of 
Mr. Emerson, are seen as prominent objects from the cars, 
but to be appreciated must be visited in front. Mr. Butter- 
field's lawn is wide and roomy, and contains, besides the 
evergreens, a number of fine forest trees. 

W. L. Perkins owns another handsome building site, upon 
which it is his purpose to erect a substantial residence. The 
ground is high and undulating, and will be graded down to 
the street with a graceful descent. 

Dr. Hill is the owner of the square brick building seen to 
the south of his drug store. The Doctor is one of the enter- 
prising citizens who believe in spending money to make 
money. He has built two fine houses, one of them, that in 
which he conducts his business, and one east of it. He is 
also the tortunate holder of that handsome strip of property 
between Mr. Emerson's place and the station, or in other 
words, the old peach orchard opposite the station, and in 
front of his store. 

Messrs. Cad well, Tuttle and Blaney are owners of valuable 
l)roperty on the same street as Messrs. Emerson and Faulkner. 

H. B Whetsel has also a comfortable home close by the 
station ; and near the bridge, west of the station, is the home 
of G. Tompkins — a remodeled house, on a well-located and 
handsome property. 



ENTERPRISING BOILDERS. 



Perhaps one of the most enterprising citizens, and the one 
who has most largely contributed to the growing prosperity 
of Madison, is our unassuming friend, Louis Cornuelle. Mr. 
Cornuelle is a native of France, wdio has been long enough 
in this country to be identified with its institutions, and to 
adapt himself to the circumstances nround him. His busi- 
ness is that of builder and a manufacturer of brick, besides 



Siibu7'ba7i Homes, 69 

which he deals extensively in land and building property. 
At present he controls some 130 acres almost in the town, 
besides his being largely interested in other tracts. His 
course of procedure is to purchase a piece of ground that is 
eligible for a building site, erect on it a few houses, and sell 
to the highest bidder or perhaps to the first apphcant. He 
is a good buye*' and a for-seeing financier, and therefore, can 
afford to sell on liberal terms. His work is of the best 
quality, and always what he represents it to be. In another 
part of this pamphlet will be found a plat and description of 
his new addition to Madisonville. Mr. Cornuelle has had 
more or less to do in the erection of not less than seventy- 
five houses in the village, and besides several contracts at 
Oakley and elsewhere, is now constructing half a dozen more 
in his new addition. 

Another enterprising citizen is Charles Kahn, also a build- 
er, and the proprietor of the planing mill. Mr. Kahn has 
received much encouragement in his business, employs many 
hands, and is under contract for a dozen houses.in the village. 
His department of the building business being chiefly that 
of carpentry, has moi'e or less to do with other buildings, 
than those for which he is under contract. 

COMMUTORS AT MADISONVILLE. 

Q. Tompkins, bookkeeper, 284 Sycamore street; S. Faulkner, Taylor & 
Faulkner, planing mill; Henry Doane, manufacturer of brackets ; G. M. 
JJacon, commission merchant; George Hack, baker; J. Hack, baker; L. 
Bailey, surveyor. Farmers Insurance Co ; Otis Hidden, Hidden & Louns- 
burg, cabinet makers' pupplies; Calvin Hidden, bookkeeper; A. P. Copen, 
cooperage and cooper supplies ; F. W. Langdon, office 234 Walnut; T. P. 
Hollenbeck, Btencil and brand manufacturer; E. A. Conklino, Excelsior 
works ; J. B. Suumard, painter; R. B. Conklino, Secretary Miami Insurance 
Co.; H. B. WuETSEL, commission merchant; G. E. Steakns, attorney-at-law ; 
G. P. Bassett, manager Clearing House ; W. L. Perkins, Innes, Magill & Co. ; 
W. B. LuMBECK, clerk M. & C. R. R. ; G. S. Blaney, stoves and tinware; A. 
8. Butterfibld, harness manufacturer; E. S. Emerson, R. Macready & Co., 
druggists; A. H. Hawes, printer; A. S. Oliver, printer; E. G. Niles, G. I. 
NiLES, stove and range dealers ; W. C. Morten, real estate agent; Jas S. 
White, attorney-at-law; \V. C. Rogers, clerk; A K. Lawyer, wood worker; 
Jno. Cruger, clerk; A. G. G. Mortkn, real estate agent; Geo. A, Whetsel, 
commission merchant; H. I. Conklino, bookkeeper; J. Mathes, tailor; W. 
C.Rogers, shoe business; G.W. Hopper, telegraph operator; Alf Burnett, Jr. 



70 Stibu7'ban Jlomes, 

telegraph operator; Joe Shomaud, painter ; L P.Miller, assistant sec- 
retary American Insurance Co.; C Ammermam, mechanic; S B. Myer8, 
M Bernheimer, a. S. Butterfibld, A. Wahl, E. W. Ward, E F Barker, 
W H Martin, Jacob Friend, Mrs. S. B. Mater, Mrs. M. Bernheimer, Mrs. 
E. S E.MERSON, Misses Wilcox Mary White, Katy Butterfield 

Among the residents may also be named Kev. J. M. Wal- 
den, D. D., of the Methodist Book Concern, and Superintend- 
ent W. W. Feabody, of the M. & C. Railroad. 



INDIAN HILL. 

This is the name given to the high land overlooking Madi- 
sonville. A tradition regarding the origin of the name has 
appeared under the chapter on Madisonville. Limited in 
time, we could not visit the settlers in this vicinity, but had 
the pleasure of passing over the new avenue leading from the 
Madison turnpike road near its intersection with the railroad. 
Passing up this avenue w^e noticed the thrifty apple orchard 
on either side, till the avenue changed to a northerly direc- 
tion, and commenced to wind up the acclivity. The grade 
being easy, we enjoyed the walk, especially as it reopened to 
view the great landscape of the Columbia basin or amphithea- 
ter. True, w^e had, as we thought, seen all that could be noticed 
on this undulating everchanging plane. We viewed the coun- 
try from Walnut Hills, Norwood Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Oak- 
ley and Madisonville, but from this point the scenery was 
entirely new. Everything was seen in a new aspect, and 
presented as a birds eye view. We had not reached the sum- 
mit, yet Madisonville seemed to be at our feet. There w^ere 
the three churches, the handsome villas and m?>nsions, the 
orchards and meadows, the groves and forests and Mt. Look- 
out—all so near. And then to the left, the peaceful city, 
a beautiful green spot studded with columns and obelisks in 
the whitest marble. That is the Odd- Fellows' Cemetery. 

Pursuing our way up this easy incline, w^e were struck 
with the contrast between the avenue and the old road. We 
had driven up and down that road un<ler favorable circum- 
stances, w^ith a steady team, when it would have been much 
pleasanter to have gone on foot, so steep was the ascent, and 



Suburban JIo)nes, 71 

sudden the declivity. On this avenue the ascent and de- 
scent are alike easy, while the distance is not materially in- 
creased. This avenue, passing in its entire length of half a 
mile throu<i:h the property of Mr. Cornuelle, is named after 
its projector Cornuelle avenue. 

Arriving at the summit, we find ourselves in a romantic 
little grove of locust trees. A fairy abode where at night or 
early morn or eve one might imagine himself surrounded 
with elfs and satyrs and other spectres of the nether world. 
Kural, isolated, and yet with the animated villages at our feet. 
What a spot for a summer hotel ! What a hospital for in- 
valids — clear, pure, invigorating air, sun or shade, as choice 
might direct; a soft green couch, or green velvet carpet. 
Such is one lovely place on Indian Hill. There are doubt- 
less many others. 

MADEIRA. 

Commencing at an elevation of sixty- two feet above low 
water in the 0!iio river, the M. & 0. Railroad makes a rising 
grade until it reaches its greatest altitude at Madeira, an ele- 
vation of 320 feet. Passengers are thus landed at high and 
healthy locations, where there is a great amount of property 
available for building purposes, and the distance by rail is 
only 16 6-10 miles. A part of the village of Madeira was 
laid out in 1871, by J. I^ Hosbrook and J. D. Moore, who im- 
mediately commenced building. Prior to this the place was 
known as a post town, having received its name from the 
directors of the M. & 0. Railroa 1, m honor of their treasurer, 
John Madeira, who owned a large tract of land in the neigh- 
borhood. Near to the station, a part of the property is ad- 
mirably "adapted for the display of fine improvements and 
handsome lawns. On each side of the railroad, which here 
runs east and west, the ground gently slopes upward on a 
gTade of three to five degrees, extending back a distance of 
about 100 ro Is. West of the station, the railroad is crossed 
at right angles by the Montgomery road that there merges 
into the Plainville road. On each side of the Montgomery 



72 Subu7'ban Homes, 

road running northward, the land is nearly level, and well 
adapted for building a compact town. 

Crossing the Montgomery road at a distance of two squares, 
is the Sectional Line road, and one square south of the rail- 
road, crossing the Plainville road at right angles is the Madi- 
son and Camargo turnpike road. These old established 
liighways afford numerous building fronts, without subjecting 
the settler to the expense of grading and finishing new roads. 

Over 200 acres of land situated within a distance of five 
minutes walk, is thus open for settlement in this new village. 

NEAREST TOWNS. 

Madeira is distant from Madisonville, by turnpike, nearly 
three miles ; from Montgomery, about two and a half miles ; 
from Pleasant Ridge and Miamivilie, about three miles ; Mil- 
ford and Plainville, four miles ; and Cincinnati, ten miles. 

As the roads leading to these various places are not direct, 
we will not vouch for the accuracy of the distances. Some 
may be greater, while more will be less. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

The improvements of Madeira are mostly of recent con- 
struction. Commencing south of the station, we notice the 
store building of Messrs. E. G. Muchmore & Son ; a two-story 
brick, the second story of which is used for an Odd-Fellows' 
Hall. This building is on the west side of the Plainville 
road, and on the opposite side is the residence of the pro- 
prietors of the store — a brick and frame building of eight 
rooms, occupying a lot of one acre, that is planted with choice 
fruit trees, and has on it a capacious stable and barn. 

South of Messrs. Muchmore's, and overlooking the railroad 
and station, is the ample residence of S. W. Rogers— a two- 
story frame building, with the usual conveniences of living to 
be found in the better class of suburban residences. This 
house stands in the center of a lot of two and one-quarter 
acres, which fronts on the Plainville and the Madison roads. 
It was one gf the first improvements in the place, and nearly 
completed when Mr. Rogers took possession of it. A pro- 
fessional architect, Mr. R. doubtless selected this property 



Sudiirba/i Homes, 73 



for its convenience to the railroad, and its adaptability for 
displaying a tasteful villa, which he hopes ere long to erect. 

On the north-east corner of the Madison and Camargo 
pike and the Plain ville road, are the residence and store of 
John Doanes, who is also the owner of thirteen acres of 
ground lying between the pike and the railroad. 

South of this residence and store, on the Plain ville road, 
is tlie residence of his brother, James Doanes, who has about 
eighty acres of property in the vicinity of the railroad. On 
the thirty-five acre lot on which his house stands, are a fine 
apple orchard, and one of the best vineyards in the county. 
The house is a substantial brick building of seven rooms, a 
little retired from the road, and partly concealed by a portion 
of his orchard. A two-story frame building with a veranda, 
standing east of the residence of Mr. Moore, is aL^o the i)ro- 
perty of Mr. Doanes. 

West of Mr. Kogers' is a neat, two-story frame building 
with a veranda, the property of J. M. Sparks. This house 
contains seven rooms, and is located on a rising ground over- 
looking the railroad. The lot contains one and one-quarter 
acres. 

West of Mr. Sparks' on the opposite side of the road, is 
the residence of Robert Thompson. This is ^le neat brick 
building with a front veranda, seen from the cars as they ap- 
proach the village from the city. 

South of Mr. Thompson's, on the Plainvill* road, there is 
little of note. The rising ground continues until a beautiful 
elevation is reached, which would make an admirable building 
site for a gentleman of means and culture. 

Still farther south is the residence of Mrs. Mann, referred 
to in another place. This is a quaint old building, with a 
number of apple and pear trees that might be a century 
old — prolific old trees, one of which was so decrepit with age 
that it could not stand; yet when we visited the place it was 
profusely covered with blossoms in its prostrate position. 
Mrs. Mann's place is one of the oldest settlements in tlie 
neighborhood. 



74 Suburban ^Tojnes, 



AVe now return to the railroa 1, and crossing to the north 
side, take in the residence of Joseph Rudolph — a two story 
frame house of five rooms, on a lot 100 by 200 feet. 

Next, eastward, is the residence of L. E. Johnson — a frame 
house of eight apartments and a veranda. Connected with 
the house is a tract of four acres, with fruit trees in good 
bearing condition. 

W. H. Harrison, is the proprietor of the next improve- 
ment — a two-story frame with veranda. The lot to the house 
is three acres in extent. 

The next edifice is the Methodist meeting-house — a frame 
building, thirty by forty feet erected only last summer. 

Three neat little cottages, all new, are within a short dis- 
tance of the station. 

The most eastern house in the village is that of A. B. John- 
ston — a two-story frame house of six rooms, standing in a lot 
of three acres. 

North of Mr. Johnston, is the residence of Mrs. Hetzler 
and family — a substantial brick building with portico. The 
property of this estate includes eighty acres of land, eight 
of which is in an apple orchard, besides wliich there are 
other fruits of various kinds on the place. 

West of this place is the residence of S. K. Druse — a two- 
story frame occupying a lot of two acres, which is being im- 
proved as a lawn and kitchen garden. 

A little south and west of this residence is that of Colonel 
Bond, whose house was burned down a few months ago. 
This property belongs to Mrs. Waldron, of Hamilton, who 
made the improvement as a good investment for surplus 
funds. 

North of this is a new brick house of six rooms, on a lot 
of one and one-quarter acres. This is a nice improvement, 
and only recently finished. 

West of this is the residence of Captain J. S. DeMar— anew 
two-story frame building fronting on the Montgomery road, 
above which it is sufficiently elevated to show the building 
to good advantage, and afford a nicely graded lawn, which 
has been neatly rounded to the sidewalk. The Captain has 



Suburb a7i Homes. 75 

done little as yet in the way of embellishment, but it is his 
intention to add to building and grounds, such improvements 
as will make his home both comfortable and attractive. 

North and east of this place, is the old homestead of Mr. 
Muchmore, senior partner in the store at the station. This 
property consists of a brick house with outbuildings and 
thirty-five and a half acres of land, six of which are in vine- 
yard and ten in orchard. Abundance of small Iruit occupies 
garden and fence rows. 

On the Madison pike, north of the railroad, and east of 
Moore's avenue, is the handsome residence of J. D. Moore — 
a brick building with a veranda. This house is located on a 
tract of six acres, most of which is covered with an apple 
orchard in fine bearing condition. 

South of this is a two-story brick building, the property of 
J. B. Mann, who is also owner of a farm of thirty acres sur- 
rounding it. 

Adjoining the property of Mr. James Doanes, is that of 
John Ware, consisting of fifty acres of well improved land, 
with fruit in abundance. Mr. Ware's place has all the ap- 
pearance of comfort and convenience. Some years ago he 
was in quite straightened circumstances. Nothing seemed 
to prosper with him, and he had to work at the roughest em- 
ployment for the lowest wages, but fortune at last smiled 
upon him, putting him in possession of a legacy of $100,000, 
bequeathed by an uncle in Scotland. 

Beyond Mr. Ware's, on the Plainville road, is the residence 
of James DeMar, one of the old settlers, whose son. Captain 
J. S. DeMar, resides near the station. Mr. DeMar is seventy 
years of age, was born in Maryland, and has lived in this 
vicinity most ot his life. 

Colonel Waring is another old citizen, who is the owner of 
property on the Plainville road. Most of his time was for- 
merly devoted to grape culture, for which he acquired con- 
sideiable distinction in the Hamilton County Horticultural 
Society. To the Colonel belongs the credit of developing 
that popular variety of grapevine known as Ives Seedling^ and 
first named Madeira Seedling. This variety was propogated 



76 Suburban Ifomes, 

by a Mr. Ives, of Warsaw, west of Cincinnati, from seed that 
was sn^jposed to come from Madeira, where the variety was 
known to have grown. Colonel Waring understanding its 
fine properties, placed it on the market, and conceded to Mr. 
Ives the lionor of its name. 

On the Mil ford road, about a mile and a half from the sta- 
tion, is the elegant residence of James Thompson — a gothic 
brick building of ten rooms and a hall through the center, 
all finely finished ; and a front veranda surmounted by a bal- 
ustrade. Handsome barn, stable and carriage house, an end- 
less variety of fruit, and twenty acres of ground, make Mr. 
Thompson's home one of the most desirable on the road. 

Mr. Tliompson is the well-known manufacturer of belting, 
whose place of business is near the M. & C. depot. One of 
the first, if not the first commutor on the road, he is a warm 
advocate of the line, and an ardent lover of suburban life. 

West of the railroad, and sufficiently near the station to be 
considered in the village, are the residences of Leonard Fow- 
ler and J. L. Ilosbrook, both enterprising public spirited 
business men, well and flavorably known in tlie north-eastern 
suburbs. The houses of these two citizens are on each side 
of the Section Line road, that intersects the Montgomery 
road. Both are retired from the front and embowered in 
foliage. A great abundance of fruit enriches these grounds, 
and remains of the forest form a picturesque background to 
tliese settlements. Mr. Fowler's land reiiches down to the 
raih-oad, and near to the stution, being bounded by the rail- 
road on the south, and the Montgomery road on the east. 
Most of the land seen from the cars has the appearance of a 
large lawn constructed by art, with gentle inclinations toward 
the two boundar}^ lines just mentioned. The extent of the 
place is fifty-six acres. 

Mr. Hosbrook's place consists of 100 acres, well adapted 
for bnildinir purposes, extending as it does to within two 
squares of the station. 

Next to Mr. J. L. Hosbrook's farm, is that of Mahlon Hos- 
brook, who gives special attention to fruit, and has what is 
rare even in this fruit countr}^, an orchard of pear trees. 



Suburban B'omes, '^'^ 



East of Mrs. Hetzler's place, is the home of Thomas Ste- 
vens, Jr., whose father lives close by. This is a cozy place, 
with two large barns and other outbuildings. Fruit and flow- 
ers seem to grow spontaneously. 



SOIL AND WATEK. 



The soil in this vicinity is the usual yellow clay and lime- 
gtone, well adapted for fruit and grasses. Some eight feet 
be]ow the surface, at the station, is a stratum of sand and 
gravel, and at a depth of fifteen feet an inexhaustible supply 
of pure water, with comparatively little impregnation of lime. 
The abundance of the water supply has made Madeira the 
stopping place for locomotives to get replenished. 

THE DRIVES. 

Though there are as yet no macadamized roads near Ma- 
deira, there are several delightful drives, east, west, north and 
south. The principal of these are the Montgomery road, 
Moore's avenue, Madison pike, Milford road, and the road to 
Plainville ; besides numerous roads that intersect and open up 
the country in all directions. 

SCEXERY. 

Madeira is more noted for the variety of its scenery, than 
the extent of its landscapes. Looking at the slopes from 
either side of the cars, they present quite a picturesque ap- 
pearance. Numerous orchards cover much of their extent, 
which, with the green turf of lawns and pastures, are desira- 
ble objects for the eye to rest upon. 

On the higher ground, north and south, the view is more 
extended, admitting to the range numerous farms with fields 
of grain, broad meadows, groves and orchards. 

Like other parts of this table land, the surface is undula- 
ting. In most places knolls abound, with here and there a 
plateau extending into a broad meadow, or covered with a 
dense forest. Along the highways are numerous orchards, 
rows of plums and cherries, and groves of native woods. 

At the distance of a mile westward, a magnificent land- 
scape presents itself, including in its range, the great basin 
so often referred to, with glimpses of the broad river and the 



78 Suburban JSomes, 



steamboats that navigate it. Here, and all around this pretty 
little village of Madeira, the surroundings are strictly rural. 
Excepting the noise of passing locomotives, the scene is 
calm and quiet — just what is wanted to soothe the perturbed 
feelings of the city care-worn business and professional man. 

CHURCHEg. 

As yet, there is but one church building in Madeira, and 
that is the Methodist Episcopal meeting house. Services are 
held in this house every two weeks, the preachers being 
Revs. Euans and Lever. 

The Presbyterians are not yet sufficiently strong to under- 
take the erection of a church, so they meet once a month 
under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Cortelyou, of Mont- 
gomery. 

SABBATH SCfflDOLS, 

The Sabbath Schools in this village are well attended, and 
under efficient management. The first school established 
was a Union one, representing the various denominations. 
After the completion of the Methodist meeting house, the 
members of that church opened a school of their own, which 
is now under the superintendence of John L. Hosbrook, and 
is held in the alternoon. The Union school which is held in 
the morning, is superintended by Captain DeMar. 

DISTRICT SCHOOL. 

A little west of the village, is the house in which is held 
the iiistrict school, under the direction of J. M. Tingley. Mr. 
Tingley has had charge of this school for seven years, during 
which time he lias produced excellent results ; his scholars 
having taken advanced positions in the higher schools to 
which they were transferred. 

A movement is on foot to erect a fine school house in a 
more central position, during the present summer. 

A PRIVATE PCHOOL 

Is also in operation, under the direction of Miss Clara Stick- 
ney, who has been preparing herself to fill such a position 
for some years. 



Suburban Homes, 



This school is strictly a primary one, being composed of 
children who are too young to be sent to the district school. 

SOCIETIES. 

Madeira has an Odd-Fellows' Lodge which meets in the 
hall over Muchmore & Son's grocery. The membership of 
this lodge is large, compared with the size of the village, 
numbering as it does thirty-seven. The following are the 
officers: D. A. Warner, N. G.; J. B. Mann, V. G.; W. G. 
Cheney, Recording Secretary ; E. G. Muchmore, Permanent 
Secretary ; R. B. Isdell, Treasurer. 

The Madeira Lyceum, is another society that is well sus- 
tained, holding its meetings weekly, and giving occasional 
entertainments. The membership is sixty, and the officers : 
William Cheney, President; Frank Hetzler, Secretary, and 
James Ganes, Treasurer. 

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES. 

As yet, there is little to report under this head. Tlie prin- 
cipal business is that of store keeping. 

General Store — E. G. Muchmore & Son, near the station ; John Doanes, 
Plainville road and Madison pike. Post Master — E. G. Muchmore. Station 
Agent— E. Q. Muchmore. Agent for Royal Insurance Co — E. G. Muchmore, 
Lumber and Coal yard — W. J. Heddlesten. Blacksmith and Wagon ma- 
ker— R, B. IsDELL. Carriage and Wagon maker — Jesse M. Sparks. Bar- 
ber — D. A. Warner. Telegraph Operator — Pat Rowan. Shoemaker — Fred 
Leman. Meat Stores— William Richardsom, Wm. Doanes. Broom Factory — 
William Richardson. Builders — J. D. Moore, D. S. Hosbrook. Carpen- 
ter — W. J. Heddlestkn. Engineer at Water Tank — D. A. Warner. Plas- 
terer — J. F. Clbphene. 

freight and passenger fare. 

Freight per car from Cincinnati, $14. The car carries 20,- 
000 pounds. Commutation tickets are $6 per month. 

building and building material. 

Madeira is one of the cheapest an^ most accommodating 
places on the line of the M. & C. road to obtain comfortable 
homes. Building material is low: brick, |8 to $9; lumber 
at the cost of freight over city prices, or those at Saginaw, 
when bought in large quantities; labor same as at Madison- 
ville. Brick or frame houses can be built for §250 and up- 
wards per room. 



80 Subu7'ban ITojnes, 



FUETi AND FOOD SUTPLIES. 

Coal can be had at city prices. The M. & C. Kailroad is 
noted for the quantity of this article that passes over it to 
the city. 

The two groceries and the meat shop supply the citizens 
with most of the groceries, flour, fresh and salt meats required; 
besides which, passengers- on the cars can carry baskets of 
marketing, etc., without extra charge. 

PRICES OF PROPERTY. 

The range in the prices of property is h'om §300 to $800 
an acre, within five minutes' walk of the station, and |3 to |5 
per foot, for the choicest lots. 

HISTORY, ANNALS AND TRADITION. 

Before Madeira received its present name, the settlement 
along the western borders of the high land, and two miles 
eastward, was known as Indian Hill. Most of this tract be- 
longed originally to John Cleves Symm.es, who sold out tracts 
of various sizes to actual settlers. 

One of the first buyers was John Jones, grandHither of the 
late Daniel Jones, who purchased two or three tracts in 
1795 ; another was David Black, who in 1706, bought 320 
acres for $213. 

Lewis Woodrufi" purchased a large tract, and leased it out 
in ten acre lots, for a term of ten years, on the condition that 
the party would clear the ground, erect a cabin and plant an 
orchard. This resulted in a pretty general clearing, and the 
introduction of fruit as an element in farming. 

Few of these tenants remaining, the land was afterward 
sold to larger holders, who introduced a better variety of 
fruit and an improved system of farming. 

One of the early settlers, who was known to some of the 
survivors, was David McGaughy, and another was named 
Boltzelle, (pronounced Poltzer) whose daughter, Mrs Powell, 
is still living. In the time of these men, the country was 
infested with wild beasts. Wolves and panthers were trou- 
blesome, showing a great liking for young pigs. Deer were 



Suburban Homes. 81 

troublesome in the spring, by herding on the young wheat. 
Bear hunts were not unfrequent, and buffalo hunts a rare treat. 

One of the survivors with whom we have had the pleasure 
of an interview, is Mrs. Druse, relict of William Druse. Mrs. 
Druse is seventy-two years of age, and is a daughter of the 
late Samuel Kitchell, an extensive and enterprising farmer 
and fruit grower, and the iDropogator of the choice variety of 
apple known by his name. 

Mrs. Druse's aunt, Mrs. Kennedy, was the first child born 
in Cincinnati. Though the Owner of a farm of ninety-six 
acres, Mrs. Druse prefers to reside with her son in Madeira. 

Still another of the old people was the late Major Mann, 
husband of Mrs. Mann, who now lives on the old homestead. 
Major Mann was one of the stockholders of the Madison & 
Camargo Turnpike Co., and did much to aid the road. He 
was a public spirited enterprising citizen, and died in 1861. 

Mrs. Mann is now seventy-two years of age, and an invalid, 
suffering from palsy. She remembers the fathers and grand- 
fathers of some of the oldest inhabitants, and related several 
incidents regarding them. Among the names she mentioned 
were those of David Black, Daniel Schenck and John Jones, 
grandfather of the late Daniel Jones. Her birthplace is al- 
most within sight of her present home. Near to her is one 
of her sons, whose wife seems to exercise a kindly care over 
the old lady. One of her daughters is the wife of the enter- 
prising builder, Mr. Moore. 

Mrs. Mann's sight is good, her voice clear, and her hearing 
perfect, and, until recently, her memory was quite retentive. 
Slie has been a member of the Methodist Church for thirty- 
five years. 

An old settler in this neighborhood, is Thomas Stevens, 
senior, familiarly known as old Tom Stevens. We had the 
pleasure of calling on i\\Q old gentleman, and found him 
engaged in reading his Bible — perusing the Psalms of 
David. Mr Stevens was pleasant and communicative, though 
he could think of no incidents in the history of the place, 
worth mentioning. He is in his seventy-eighth year; was 
bom in Oxfordshire, England, and came to this country when 



82 Subu7^ba?i JZb?nes. 

he was twentj^-two. He remembers 'Squire Clason, Oliver 
Jones and Joe Mann, and Jacob Hetzler. 

Mr. Stevens owned 200 acres of land, wliicli he has divided 
among his children. He now lives with his daughter, Mrs. 
Nelson, wife of James Nelson, whose place is near Allandale. 
Like Mr. Ware, Mr. Stevens has been the recipient of large 
sums of money from Great Britain. 

Daniel Hos brook, grandfether of J. L. and Mahlon Hos- 
brook, was among the first settlers. In his time the woods 
were almost impassable. Having occasion to go to Columbia, 
the nearest town at that time, tor salt, he missed his way 
when within a few rods of his home, and was h'ozen to death. 

Daniel Hosbrook, his son, and father ot J. L. Hosbrook, 
was several times a member of the legislature, and the first 
sheriff of the county. He spent his early life in teaching, 
and Mrs. Druse claims to have been one of his scholars. 

An incident in his history as a teacher iv worth mention- 
ing. Like many of his profession in those days, he was 
" barred out." Finding himself on the wrong side of the 
door one morning, at the time school should have been 
opened, he suspected mischief, and after ineffectual attempts 
to gain an entrance, began to parly with the enemy. A 
council was proposed, but indignantly rejected by the occu- 
pants of the stronghold. Nothing short of an unconditional 
surrender and an indemnity of "ai^ples and cider" would be 
accepted by the belhgerents on the other side. Determined 
to regain possession, the governor issued a manifesto, which 
resulted in bringing over to his side one of the ringleaders, 
named Haywood and his ring. Encouraged by this success, 
he nailed down* the windows securely, fastened the doors and 
covered the chimneys. The result will be conjectured. The 
magnanimous victor stood the treat, and cured the boys of a 
bad custom. 

COMMUTORS, 

James Thompson, belt manufacturer ; Robert Thompson, clerk with James 
Thompson; S. W. Rogers, architect ; Captain James T. DeMar, attorney-at- 
law ; L. H. Bond, attorney-at-law ; L. E. Johnson, attorney-at-law; H. iS. 
Swain, bookkeeper ; Joseph Rudolph, shoe manufacturer ; Joseph Walters, 
retired merchant. 



Suburban ITomes, ^^ 



ADVANTAOKS. 

In closing this chapter on Madeira, it may not be amiss to 
call attention to the principal advantages it affords to set- 
tlers, and 

1. We may state that its elevation is highly conducive 
to health, almost securing for it immunity from epidemics. 
Cholera has never reached the place, and scarlet fever is 
almost unknown. 

2. The existence of genteel, intelligent society, with no 
leaning to what is known as fashionable society. 

3. The convenience of stores, schools, churches and be- 
nevolent and literary societies. 

4. The cheapness and convenience to the station of build- 
ing property, which, with improvements, can be had on 
favorable terms. 

5. The number of towns within a radius of four miles, and 
its being 

6. The great fruit growing region of Hamilton county. 

ALLANDALE. 

One mile east of Madeira, on the M. & C. road, is Allandale 
station. Tlie only residences at this place are those of Mrs. 
Stickney, Dr. Wilson and Kobert Armstrong. Engaged in 
business in the city. Dr. Wilson can not attend to his place, 
and accordingly his house is occupied by a tenant. On the 
Doctor's little form we noticed a healthy vineyard, which 
produces large quantities of grapes. His method of training 
is to put down stakes several feet apart, and stretch wire 
along the rows. Little labor is then required to tie up. He 
owns seventeen and a half acres of land. 

Mrs. Stickney's residence is south of the station, and has 
connected with it thirty-three and a half acres. 

Mr. Armstrong's home is a handsome cottage, situated on 
the turnpike road or Madison pike. It is on an elevation, a 
little retired from the road, and has attached to it a fruit and 
vegetable garden. His farm is eighty acres in extent, and is 
better adapted for building than for agricultural purposes. 



84 Steburban JTomes, 

The commutors are Frank Churchill, Misses Blanche Stick- 
ney, Martha Keller, Rosie Frie, Jennie Stickney. 

About half a mile farther east, is the commodious residence 
of Aaron Bonnell — a handsome two-story frame building, 
with garden and outbuildings, adapted to the wants of a large 
farm of 182^ acres. 

A short distance farther on the pike, is one of the most 
complete little school houses we have seen. The building is 
a one-story brick, twenty-five by fifty feet, with a belfry and 
a vestibule. The interior consists of one large room with a 
high ceiling, good light and ventilation. A great extent of 
blackboard surface, indicates the appreciation of the im- 
proved methods of teaching. 

This handsomely finished house, is heated with a furnace, 
that occupies a large basement, thus securing a handsome, 
unincumbered schoolroom of equable temperature. 

The school numbers fifty-two enrolled scholars, and is un- 
der the charge of Mr. Charles Earhart. The directors are 
A. J. Buckingham, W. T. Keller and J. E. Rude. 

A little distance from the school house, and about one and 
a half miles from the station, is the home and farm of W. H. 
Fry, son of Mr. Fry of Oakley, who, like his father, is an ar- 
tistic wood carver. Mr. Fry, thougli comparatively a young 
man, has a large family, which has something to do in dispos- 
ing him to farming pursuits. 

Strictly domestic in his habits, and rural in his taste, he 
prefers farming to shop work, and only enters his father's 
studio when the farm does not need his services. Mr. Fry 
was the main reliance of his father, in prosecuting the de- 
corations of Mr. Joseph Longworth's elegant house. His 
farm is sixty acres in extent. 

Between Allandale and Camp Dennison, is the home of 
Frank Churchill, an early commuter on this road, and a gen- 
tleman whose ability as an elocutionist, is known to an ex- 
tensive circle of friends. 

North of the school house, is the homestead of W. T. 
Keller — a substantial brick building, standing well back from 
the road, and affording a large lawn, which is utilized with 



Suburban IToines, 85 

innumerable fruit trees interspersed among the evergreens. 
The barns and stables are arranged for convenience, and on a 
scale suitable to a farm of 206 acres. 

Mr. Keller is a successful farmer and fruit grower, having 
one of the finest vineyards in the State, and abundance of 
apples and other fruit. 

The location of the homestead and farm are admirably 
situated for landscape views. North, east and south, the va- 
ried surface presents the most pleasing scenery. Dipping 
toward the river on the one side, and the Sycamore creek on 
the other, and then rising with gentle slopes beyond, the 
landscape is unusually fine. 

Mr. Keller's farm extending down to the track of the M. & 
C. Kailroad, suggested the idea of a road from the Washing- 
ton School House or Miamiville, to Montgomery village or 
turnpike. A company was therefore formed consisting of 
Dr. Dawson, Mr. Keller and others, who obtained a charter 
for constructing a turnpike road, which should intersect the 
railroad half a mile north-east of AUandale. That road is 
now in course of construction, and will probably be finished 
the present summer. 

At the intersection, the ground has been laid off for a sta- 
tion, which ere this is read, will probably have a house upon 
it. The place will then be known as 

OSERO. 

Osero is located about half a mile north-east of AUandale, 
where the railroad makes a down grade along the bank of a 
branch of Sycamore creek, and enters the forest. The creek 
is tortuous and rocky, and the dense forest casts a deep shade 
upon the line of the road. A stretch of a quarter of a mile 
of level, straight road at this point, is as completely shut out 
from the busy world, as if it were located in the back woods. 
The vale is still and cool in summer, and romantic in the 
extreme — a place for a quiet chat, a solitary ramble, for re- 
verie, where nature can be studied in her more subdued 
forms, where only singing birds, the hum of insects, the 



86 Subu7*ba7i JTomes, 

puff of locomotives, or the occasional noise of passing trains 
breaks in upon the stilhiess of the scene. 

Winding up the new pike, we find we are on a broad ave- 
nue, with young and thrifty trees of shade and ornament. 
On either side the ground rises gently up to numerous hand- 
some building sites, till the summit is reached. Here the 
landscape broadens, woods and orchards and meadows abound. 

We are on the table land, where the eye can scan some 
fifteen or twenty miles of such delightful country. Near by 
is the village of Montgomery ; not far distant is Madeira, and 
yonder on the Miami, are the buildings of the Paper Fab- 
rique Company. At the summit, the road forks, the new, 
taking the direction of the Montgomery turnpike road, which 
it reaches at the distance of halt a mile west of the village, 
and the other leading to Allandale and Montgomery village. 

The extent of the lands west of the road is a little less 
than 190 acres, sixty of which belong to John F. Follett, at- 
torney-at-law, and the balance to Dr. Dawson. 

East of the railroad, the property belongs principally to 
Mr. Keller, and consists chiefly of forest with all varieties of 
native woods. Along the line of the railroad, the land is 
composed of a series of knolls and ravines, that would come 
into requisition for building lots of one to five acres. The 
abundance of dense forest would enable settlers to retain 
choice trees for shade, shelter and ornament. 

MONTGOMERY. 

Montgomery village is situated m Sycamore township, at a 
distance of only twelve miles from the Court House, and a 
mile and a quarter from Montgomery and Osero stations by 
the proposed roads. This village is one of the oldest in the 
count}^ its settlement being nearly cotemporaneous with 
that of Columbia. Though so long settled, it contains a 
population of only 500. 

As might be expected in a place of such slow growth, 
many of the buildings have a dilai>idated and primitive 
appearance, though several good improvements are scattered 
here and there throughout the town. Springing up, as it 



Sudurdapi Hoynes, 87 

did, on the old State road between Columbia and Chillicotlie, 
the oldest houses are to be found on Main street. When the 
turnpike road was established, the State road was straight- 
ened, leaving Main street out of the line of travel, and giving 
to the part of it which passed through the village, the name 
of State street. Prior to that, additions were made to the 
town by Ludwick Weller, Joseph Taulman, Eli Duskey and 
Daniel Hayden. The town was then quite an important 
place, and a promising settlement, as may be inferred irom 
the fact that a piece of ground was laid off for market pur- 
poses. The town was a stopping place for teamsters as they 
passed back and forth from the city. Reaching Montgomery 
on their way from the city and vice versa^ they remained 
there over night, and spent considerable money in the taverns. 

The streets opened by the additions were Main, Weller, 
Sycamore, Broadway, Stewart avenue, Taulman avenue and 
Mechanic street. 

Approaching the village from the city, we enter upon high 
rolling territory, over which the road gracefully winds till it 
nearly reaches the center, where its direction continues 
straight. 

Near the center of the village, geographical!}^, is a ravine, 
on the sides of which are orchards and gardens, that in sum- 
mer impart to the place a rural appearance. The little hill 
on the other side brings the traveler to the more thickly 
settled portion, where one of the first objects that strikes his 
notice is the village forge — Mr. Mullen's blacksmith shop. 

IMPROVEMENTS, 

As already intimated, there are not many fine improve- 
ments in Montgomery. For many years not a single house 
was erected. Even after the completion of the M. & C. Rail- 
road, there was no disposition to add to the number of the 
houses, or to improve those ah-eady built. But a change for 
the better came over the place and the people some two 
years ago. The town was visited by city people, who ad- 
mired its scenery, its rural aspect, its quaint old buildings, 
its substantial streets and sidewalks — its completeness as a 



88 Subu7^ban Homes, 

settlement. Here, they found old established churches of 
three denominations, with good congregations, a district school 
with three departments, stores, shops, workmen, abundance 
of Iruit in every garden and orchard, the greatest variety ot 
drives radiating and intersecting in every direction, bringing 
into view large farm settlements ; elegant farm houses, that 
evince taste, thrift and prosperity ; and here, they found this 
beautiful little village — nestled, as it is, amid the woods and 
orchards that cover one of the highest points in Hamilton 
county — was only a mile distant from the railroad, and twelve 
miles from the Court House! What a beautiful place for 
those who do not like the isolation of country seats, and yet 
want to enjoy the pure air, wholesome food, and freedom 
from the care and noise and bustle of the city! 

Only a mile in a straight line from the railroad, and yet, 
the town lying dormant ! A village of 500 inhabitants, only 
twelve miles from Cincinnati, and land on the verge of the 
town offered at $200 an acre ! 

The city people understood it. They had spent half an 
hour on a rough road in getting from the station to the vil- 
lage, when they should have made the distance in fifteen 
minutes at the farthest. There were also a few villagers who 
understood the matter, and soon sentiment was made in favor 
of a direct road to the station — one with a single hill of easy 
grade. The site was viewed and the road recommended, but 
the feeling of opposition to improvements and to the rail 
road prevailed, and the grant Avas not made by the Commis- 
sioners. But enterprise was aroused. People began to 
improve their property, and others began to build. Mr. K. 
Smith, clerk at Fairbank's Scale warehouse, erected for him- 
self, a pretty two-story house on a lot of ground, the property 
of his wife. William Smethurst built another handsome 
home, George Crane another, John Mullen another, F. H. 
Hinghaus another, Isaac Cameron raised his cottage to a two- 
story house, making the exterior all new. Tiie demand for 
lumber called for a sawmill; and one saw mill suggested 
another and still another. Then the farmers began to cut 
down timber, and to get it :?awed; sav/ing was so cheap., 



Sudurdan J3omes, 89 

Having plenty of lumber, they built stables and barns and 
new residences. 

Now, the old village that a consulting board of physicians 
pronounced as dying of senility, has revived, is rejuvinated, 
and only awaits the completion of the new roads to the sta- 
tion to stand among the flourishing towns on the M. & C. 
Railroad. 

While writing about improvements, we may state that ap- 
plication has been made to the County Commissioners, for a 
road that will connect Montgomery with Montgomery sta- 
tion, and another that will connect with Osero, the new 
station. Either of these roads will give a good grade, and 
shorten the distance to ten or fifteen minutes' travel. That 
both will be granted there is little doubt, but whether both 
will be built will depend upon the parties through whose 
land the roads have been surveyed. 

One of the most handsome improvements in Montgomery, 
is the residence of Mrs. Hieatt, on State street. This is a 
pretty villa, standing on a beautiful knoll, and sufficiently re- 
tired from the street to afford a spacious lawn. The house 
is modern in style and finish — a two-story frame with veranda 
and numerous apartments. In the rear are stable, carriage 
house, ice house, and around the place abundance of young fruit. 

Another handsome house, at the entrance to the village by 
the turnpike, is that of Foster Todd. A very tasteful build- 
ing of medium size, and standing well back from the road. 
Mr. Todd continues to improve his premises, and will doubt- 
less have one ot the handsomest places in the village. 

Mr. Smith's house has been referred to. It is also a medium 
sized two-story frame, such a one as every young married 
man in his circumstances ought to own. Young men who. 
would commence married life aright, ought to seek counsel 
of Mr. Smith, who can satisfy them regarding the advantages 
and disadvantages of city and country life. 

Opposite Mrs. Hieatt's and Mr. Smiths' are two spa- 
cious dwellings, belonging respectively to Mrs. Kennedy and 
Mrs. Graham. These homes have abun-dance of shade and 
fruit trees in the gardens and yards 



90 Sub2i7'ba)i Ifofnes, 



On the corner of State and Meshanics streets, is a substan- 
tial brick building, used by Kichard Farrott, for business 
purposes. The building is large and well stocked with 
groceries, dry goods, hardware, drugs and medicines, paints 
and oils, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and almost every- 
thing in constant demand by villagers and farmers. Next to 
it is his residence. 

On the same side of Mechanics street, is a large brick 
building, the residence of P. M. Bo^^en. This is valuable 
property, and has surrounding it a garden with fruit and shade 
trees. 

Nearly opposite, is the residence of Dr. William Jones. 
Seen from this side of the street, this house presents an im- 
posing appearance. The front is an approach to the gothic 
style of ai-chitecture, with a tasteful veranda elevated several 
steps above the level of the sti'eet. A Avide central hall 
leads to a spacious parlor and the family room, which have 
full length windows. The house contains twelve rooms in- 
cluding basements. 

Dr. Jones has other property in the village, and a fine fruit 
farm near to the school house, where he is about to com- 
mence improvements. 

Opposite Mr. Parrott's on State and Mechanic streets, is 
the Masonic and Odd-Fellows' Hall, and under it the meat 
and provision store of the Blair Brothers. There are several 
other buildings on State street worth mentioning— one, a 
fine brick building, the property of Eli Dedrick, in course of 
construction. Then there is the home of the Rev. Thomas 
Cortelyou, on the corner of Sycamore, and the homes of L. 
Smethurst, W. Willis, John Todd, Wm. Crosby, Mrs. Bigam, H. 
Crane, J. Bowen, Dr. Naylor, and J. W. Ayers. 

At the extreme end of State street, where it merges into 
the pike, is the district school house, a modern built brick 
house, with four rooms, high ceiUngs, and entered by a vesti- 
bule. This house stands in the center of a large yard planted 
with shade and ornamental trees. Like most village school 
houses, it is surmounted with a belfry. 



Suburban JSomes, 91 

On this street is also the meeting house of the Uiiiver 
salists, a brick building, with cupola and portico, supported 
by massive brick columns. 

On Sycamore, west of State, is the Presbyterian meeting 
house, a substantial brick building with a tower. The inte- 
rior of this structure is a single room with higli ceiling, from 
which is suspended a neat chandelier. The room is airy, 
well lighted, and in excellent condition. 

In passing, we may state that the congregation at this place 
is well sustained, especially by young people — seldom is there 
seen a vacant pew. Carriages, buggies, and wagons bring 
members of church and congregation a distance of several 
miles, from every direction, to both morning and evening 
services — the latter being maintained throughout the j^'ear. 
This circumstance, with the fact of well supported Sabbath- 
schools, is, we think, a favorable indication of the high moral 
tone prevailing in Montgomery and vicinity. 

Passing down Mechanic street, toward the station, is an 
apparently new frame building that seems to obstruct the 
street. The architecture and some of the surroundings of 
this house take us back to filty years ago in the country, 
when roofs were half mansard without dormer windows or 
cornices. 

The house is substantial and comfortable for a large family, 
has a central hall, nine rooms and summer kitchen, and is as 
new as it looks, except that the frame of the old building 
that occupied the site being sound oak was retained, which 
accounts for the pe«uliar appearance of the new. Dilapida- 
ted buildings and crowding shrubbery that formerly occu- 
pied the yard, have given way to a croquet ground and a 
parterre, which are flanked by a thrifty fruit garden, and ad 
join the I^itchen garden. 

Several hundred feet of building property extend from 
the house, and the balance of fifty- two acres of agricultural 
land, orchard and woods, make up the extent of the place. 

Opposite these grounds is the residence of Mr. G. Crane, 
referred to, and east of it that of Isaac Cameron, who a year 



93 Subu?*ba7t Somes, 



ago raised his cottage to a two-story house, making the exte- 
rior all new. 

Between these is the Methodist meeting house, a frame 
building, with a large and awkward looking, but a merely 
temporary belfry in front. This belfry was built last summer 
to receive a large bell weighing 1,000 pounds, the gift of 
John K. Green. Some of the trustees favoring the construc- 
tion of a better house before long, preferred to place the 
belfry where it is. 

A handsome house, lot and stable, not far from the church, 
belongs to Mrs. Cruger. This place lias a frontage of 200 
feet, and is quite attractive in appearance. 

Farther toward the station is the new residence of F. H. 
Hinghaus — a two-story frame building, built during the past 
3^ear. This house indicates the thrift of the proprietor, who 
is an enterprising farmer, and in the six or seven years of his 
residence here has made farming pay. He has strong faith 
in deep culture, thorough manuring, and promptitude in 
getting every crop out and in just at the right season. Farm- 
ers Avho would follow his example in this respect, could make 
farming a paying business. 

About half way to the station by the present road, we 
come to the most complete residence in this vicinity — the 
home and mansion of John K. Green. This hand'some build- 
ing is situated some distance on a falling grade from the 
road, and is not seen to good advantage, but as we approach 
it, we find it is a noble brick structure with verandas on 
front and sides, and is surmounted with an observatory. This 
property formerly belonged to Captain Barker, of Cincin- 
nati, who erected the building for a country seat, but Mr. 
Green has remodeled and enlarged it, and is now fitting up 
the interior in a style to correspond to the exterior. A fur- 
nace will heat the building, and water will be supplied to 
every room. 

The building is located in the center of a lawn, that is 
interspersed with choice fruit trees. Near at hand is a new 
stable, carriage house, etc., and adjoining, a large orchard oi 
apple and pear trees. 



Subu7^ban JTo?ne^, 93 

Though it does not occupy the highest point in this vicinity, 
the observatory of this house commands one of the finest 
views to be found in the vicinity of the Little Miami— the 
beautiful curving hills and knolls, all bending downward to- 
ward the river where it makes an elbow directly in front of 
the house, and run§ eastward. There, is the penciled line as 
seen by the feathery mist for a couple of miles, and yonder 
the long bridge at Miamiville, that spans the broad river at 
that place. Mr. Green can see all over his own place of 
seventy^-eight acres, and much of his neighbors' places as 
well. 

Between Mr. Green's place and the station, is a large 
brick, the property- of H. Mummert, who is a non-resident 
of the township. This is on a beautiful piece of building 
property. 

The adjoining farm northward, belongs to Albert L. Smyth, 
is seen to advantage from the train running west. It is 
bounded on one side by the village road, and lies on the 
Sycamore creek, from which it slopes gradually upward, and 
commands a view of the river not for distant. 

Some of the property in the vicinity of the village is held 
by city men, whose names have not been mentioned. A 
large farm of 100 acres is the property of Mr. Lang and wife. 
Mr. L. formerly kept a grocery in Cincinnati, and has been 
out here several years. His residence is on the turnpike and 
nearly new. 

On the opposite side of the pike is the home of the Mit- 
chell family, a farm of 160 acres. 

Adjoining the school house lot is a small farm, the pro- 
perty of A. C. Richards, the furniture manufacturer, who 
some time ago thought of making the place his home. It is 
an attractive building site, and close to the town. 

Another splendid building site, is on the farm of George 
Crist, at the south-east end of the town. The flirm is about 
seventy acres in extent, including a small forest, and a variety 
of young fruit trees. 



94 Subu7'ba?i jS^omes. 



BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES. 

Two General Stores — Richard P4.rrott and Daniel Dreyfoos. Two Meat 
Stores— James & William Blair, and Minard McKinney. Hotel— J. W. 
Sage. Saddle and Harness Shop — J. C. Riker. Three Blacksmith Shops — 
James Mullen, Jerold Cooper, Jabez Bowen. Two Wagon Makers — P. M. 

Bow EN, and Crane. Four Carpenters — A. D. Parrott, Eli Ded- 

EiCK, White Miller, Isaac Cameron. Three Bricklayers and Stone Masons 
— John Crane, George Crane and Lloyd Irwin. Two Brickmakers — Wil- 
LiAM Smithurst, James Ayres. Three Saw Mills — two steam — one W. Wil- 
lis' circular saw; P. W. Bowen, upright saw; A. D. Parrott, horse-power 
circular saw. Three Painters and Paper Hangers — Foster Todd, C. E. 
Holden, Theodore Todd. Two Dress Makers— Mrs. Riker, Miss Bonnell. 
Land Agent, Note Broker, etc. — Richard Nelson. Omnibus Line — H. L. 
Karr Barber — Jonathan Harris. Two Shoemakers— Lloyd Smethurst 
and Wm. Schuh. Auctioneer — John Mullen. Professions — Clergyman — 
Rev. Thomas Cortelyou, pronounced Cor-tel-you. Physicians and Sur- 
geons — Dr William Jones, Dr. Naylor, Dr. I, N. Jones. Teachers — Wil- 
liam: Swain, Miss Cortelyou, Miss Castner. Clerks and Bookkeepers — 
R. F. Smith, C. M. Jones, David Kennedy. 

fuel and food supplies. 

Fuel can be purchased at the station at about Cincinnati 
prices, and by tlie car-load at cost plus the Ireight, which to- 
gether made it last fall fourteen cents a bushel. This coal is 
of fair quality, though inferior to Youghiogheny. 

Fresh meat costs less than in the city, as do also butter, 
eggs, lard, corn meal, potatoes, etc. 

The grist mill being so near, persons having Avheat or corn 
can get their flour and stock feed under city rates. 

The groceries are a shade higher, but the competition pre- 
vents monopoly, and persons wanting goods for cash, can do 
nearly as well as in the city. 

Fruit of certain kinds is cheaper, if bought in season, and 
those having gardens need have little of vegetables or fruit 

to buy. 

building and building material. 

Building here can be done cheaply. Lumber for framing 
and similar purposes, is saw^ed for $7.50 per thousand, and 
sold at 120.00; brick at the kiln, $7.00. Stone in all the 
creeks, and sand in some of the creeks and the river banks. 
Lime can be had for $28.00 and |30.00 per hundred bushels. 



Siidt^rdan Jlomes, 95 

Carpenters charge $2.50 and $3.00 per day. Brick and 
stone masons, $3.50 to $i.OO. Plasterers, fourteen cents per 
square yard, 

PRICES OP PROPERTY. 

The cheapest place on the M. & 0. Railroad, to buy pro- 
perty, all conveniences considered, is probably Mont- 
gomery. Choice lots on a leading thoroughfare can be had 
at $8 per front foot, and land close to the town at $200 an 
acre, and within half a mile, $100. This is little above what 
it would have brought twenty years ago, but the recent im- 
provements on the roads, and the immediate prospect of two 
additional roads, together with the recent establishment of an 
omnibus line connecting with the accommodation trains, will 
doubtless soon bring up the prices to the ordinary level. 

CHURCHES. 

The churches represented by meeting houses are the Pres- 
byterian, Episcopal, Methodist and Universalist. Some dis- 
tance north of the town is a Lutheran meeting house, and in 
the neighborhood are the elements of a Christian Church. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Was organized about the year 1819, Rev, Daniel Hayden 
being the pastor. Rev. Hayden was succeeded by Revs. L. G. 
Gaines, C, Harrison, David McDonald, Jonathan Edwards, 

D. D., G. M. Hair, J. Stewart, J. H. Gill, and McKinney, 

and the present incumbent, Rev. T, F. Cortelyou, who has 
served the church for a period of twelve years. 

The Elders of the church are William Johnston, J. Ralston, 
Solomon Ferris, John Conkling and T. GalloAvay; the Trus- 
tees, Dr. William Jones, Edward Mitchell, Wilson McGrew 
and J, Galloway, 

The membership of the church is 130, and the congrega- 
tion numbers 200. Services Sabbath morning and evening. 

THE SABBATH SCHOOL 

Meets in the church at 9J a. m., H. L. Karr, Superintendent ; 
J. Conkling, Assistant Superintendent ; A. Conkling, Librarian ; 
John Ralston, Treasurer ; John Galloway, Secretary. The 
average attendance is seventy-two. 



96 Stibti7'han JSomes. 

THK METHODIST CHURCH 

Was organized at an early day, too early for any of its pre- 
sent members to state accurately the date. 

The present pastor is the Rev. Kelfus. The membership 
we could not ascertain. During quarterly . meetings and 
when anything special is going on, the congregations here 
are quite large, at other times less interest is felt, though the 
number of hearers is increasing. 

The Sabbath school averages fifty, and is superintended by 
John Keeler, an active worker, and enterprising citizen. Mr. 
Keeler took charge of this school some two years ago, when 
it consisted of no more scholars than may now be seen in a 
single class. Feeling the need of good music, he was laying 
his plans to purchase an organ, when Mr. J. K. Green was 
apprised of the lact, and sent the school such an instrument. 
This organ has proved quite an acquisition to the church as 
well as the school. Whereas before it was difficult to find a, 
leader of the music, now it has an efficient choir, who by 
regular rehearsals prepare themselves for their interesting 
work. 

THK UNIVERSALI3T CHURCH 

Was organized in 1837, when the present edifice was just 
completed. The pastor then was the Rev. Mr. Pingley. 
The present pastor is Rev. J. W. Henley, who conducts the 
services once a month. The Trustees are Tyler Snider, A. J. 
Buckingham and Mrs. Irwin. Mrs. Annie Crane is the 
Treasurer, and Miss M. McGrew Secretary. 

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 

There are two benevolent societies in Montgomery; the 
Masonic and Odd-Fellows. 

THE MASONIC LODGE 

Was organized in 1828, the officers being S. W. Robinson, 
Master; James G. Cross, S. W., and Abraham Crist, J. W. 
The present membership is sixty-six, officere 1 as follows : 
D. S. Ilosbrook, W. G. ; I. Muchmore, S. W.; A. Agnew, J. 
W.; C. Snyder, P. Secretary; Harvey Perin, Treasurer; R. B, 
Isdell, S. D. ; Theo. Todd, J. D. ; J. R. Mullen, Tyler. The 
Lodge meets on or before the first Tuesday ol full moon. 



Suburba7i JSTomes, 97 



THE ODD-FBLL0W8' LODOH 

Was organized in 1855, and now has a membership of over 
sixty. The officers are A. McKinney, N. G. ; C. Holden, 
V. G. ; D. Kennedy, S. ; C. 8nyder, R S. ; N. Todd, Treasurer. 
The Lodge meets every Thursday night. 

A MUSICAL SOCIETY 

Will probably be organize 1 the present summer. The ama- 
teurs will give a concert under the leadership of Prof. Slein, 
before this pamphlet reaches the public. 

HISTORY, ANNALS, TRADITIONS. 

Like most towns of its size, Montgomery has no written 
history. Situated on a leading road, it became a resting 
place for teamsters and travelers, ani so grew up from a sin- 
gle tavern to what it now is, a town of 500 inhabitants. K 
log cabin formed the first tavern of the place. This was 
situated on the south-east corner of Main and Mechanic 
streets, on what is now known as the Station road, and kept 
by John Osborn. A man named Yost opened another tavern 
on the diagonal corner. Some idea of the extent of travel 
or the drinking habits of the people of that time, (1809) may 
be formed when we state that a fifty barrel supply ol whisky 
for the year, failed to meet the demand upon Yost's bar. 

\\\ 1806-7 a number of citizens from Montgomery, Orange 
eounty. New York, came by the way of Fort Pitt (Pittsburg) 
and Columbia, and settled around this point, as a good place 
for trade and farming. Among these were Jacob and Cram- 
ner Felter, Cornelius Snider, grandfather of James Snider, 
Jno. Z. Weller, Nathaniel Terwilliger, Joseph Taulman, H. 
Crist, Jacob Roosa and others. Coming from Montgomery, 
they naturally named the new place in honor of their old 
home. 

In 1810, a company of these men was organized for the 
purpose of erecting and running a grist mill. Some of the 
names were Elliot, Crist, Snider and Sears — the latter was 
the millwright. Soon after commencing business in the mill, 
they opened a store on the corner now occupied by Mr. R. 
Parrott 



98 Suburban Homes. 

In 1816, additions to the town- were made by Joseph Taul- 
inan and Lodwick Weller, and subsequently two more by 
Daniel Hayden and Eli Dusky. The streets opened by these 
additions have been mentioned. 

As early as 1807, a rifle company was formed, and Mont- 
gomery soon became ^ place for battalion muster. Quite a 
military spirit was excited, which was maintained for many 
years alterward. 

Schools were not neglected in the early history of the 
place, though the buildings were as primitive in design as in 
finish. Within 100 feet of the writer's residence, was the first 
school house built in Montgomery. This was so constructed 
that openings were left in the logs to serve as windows. In 
summer, these were left without sash. In the winter, sized 
newspapers subserved the double purpose of sash and window 
glass. 

A mode of punishment, equally primitive, called for an- 
other opening of six inches in the rude floor. Into tliis 
offenders were required to thrust a bare foot and keep it 
there until released by the teacher. As snakes were numer- 
ous in summer, and the ground under the house open, the 
discipline proved effective. 

In the course of some years, the Montgomery Academy 
was organized. This was a classical school, and was under 
good management. Professors Hayden, Locke, and Moore 
were some of the teachers. It was in this Academy that Dr. 
William Jones had his education before entering upon the 
study of medicine. James Snider was also a scholar of this, 
as well as of the more primitive school, Avhsre he acquired 
some prominence during a "barring out " adventure. 

Some of the early industries of Montgomery besides those 
mentioned, were the manufacture of wagons for the southern 
market, pork packing, and cabinet making. Henry Snider 
conducted the wagon making business, and built his own 
boats to carry his freight. The gunwales of these boats con- 
sisted of logs fifty or sixty feet in length, and were hewed in 
the village. To get them to the river, they were placed upon 
wheels, and being hard to manage, required a steersman as 



Suburba7i Homes. 99 



well as a teamster. To steer this caravan a pole was inserted 
in the center of the hind axle, and made to jH-oject backward, 
this was the tiller, and the man on foot behind the logs was 
the steersman. 

One of the oldest citizens of Montgomery, is Abraham 
Roosa, who is seventy-nine years of age. His father, Jacob 
Roosa, and family, came out from New York in 1799. Witli 
him came also a man named Ayres, who was one of the 
builders of the first ocean vessel, a brig built at Columbus. 

In Abraham's boyhood, wolves had not been exterminated, 
and as cattle were allowed to run at large, it was necessary 
to have them brought home in the evenings and securely 
penned. 

As soon as Abraham was able to handle a gun, this duty 
devolved upon him. Provided with musket, ammunition and 
a foithful dog, he would track the objects of his search by 
the sound of the bells, and before the shades of evening set 
in, have them secure. 

Montgomery has contributed her quota of public men. 
For the early militia, she furnished a general of note— Cor- 
nelius Snider. John Snider she sent to the legislature many 
years ago, and Dr. Alexander Duncan to Congress. Califor- 
nia is indebted to her for a governor— Weller was a Mont- 
gomery boy — and the legislative halls of the State were 
re-inforced by Dr. William Jones, on more than one occasion, 
and by George Crist, of the firm of Creighton & Co., at 
another time. In the Presbyterian church, the Rev. Daniel 
Hayden served with distinction, and in the Universalist 
church, the Rev. A. Laurie, who was ordained in Mont- 
gomery church, was a distinguished advocate of the doctrines 
of his denomination. Thirty-eight years of practice of medi- 
cine in the vicinity, entitles Dr. Naylor's name to a p^ace 
here. 

Of Dr. Duncan's history and habits, we learned something 
from Dr. Jones, and had the pleasure of examining his por- 
trait, made by a young artist named Sweet, who carried it 
across the Atlantic and over Europe, as a specimen of his 
skill in painting. 



100 Suburban So77ies, 

The Doctor's history is an interesting one. He was a lover 
of public life, and an ardent advocate of Democratic meas 
ures. He was also attached to out-door pleasures, driving 
and fishing, and when in company with a friend, would often 
not exchange words for miles of travel, and when ho did 
break silence, it would be by the utterance ot some remarka- 
ble statement, or by propounding some difficult problem. 

It was the Doctor's custom when about to engage in a 
fishing expedition, to catch his minnows in Sycamore creek, 
but some said that he was often fishing for votes when lift 
was supposed to be engaged in legitimate piscatorial pur- 
suits ; accordingly the knowing ones would account for his 
absence from home, by saying he was " catching minneys in 
the Sycamore." 

A remarkable man, of a very difierent stamp, was Eli Dus- 
ky, whose " mark" may be seen in the records of the county.' 
Eli was noted alike for industry, simplicity of character, and 
the limited amount of intelligence with which he managed 
to transact the business of life. In politics, religion, and 
business, he was guided rather by instinct than knowledge 
or reason. He believed in ghosts and hobgoblins, if not in a 
future state, and fairies were the great facts as well as mys- 
teries of his creed. This was known to the neighbors — to 
the men who were boys in those days, and to the boys who 
were men ; and the latter were not slow in taking advantage 
of such notions, nor the former in encouraging the fun. 

On a certain occasion, Eli had a prosperous sugar camp in 
the rear of where Mr. R. Smith's house now stands. His 
blazing fire was rapidly converting the sugar water into de- 
licious syrup, and his barrels were waiting for their first in 
stalment, when, the shades of evening approaching, he 
slackened his fire, prepared his camp for the night, and went 
to his home ruminating over his probable good luck in se- 
curing a big crop of molasses. 

Supper disposed of, Eli retired to his quiet couch, but hud 
scarcely experienced his first nocturnal vision, (for he was a 
great dreamer) when he was aroused by the barking of his 
faithful watch dog. Quickly dressing, he sallied forth and 



Subu7'ban JIo7nes, 101 

60011 was in jjlain sight of his factory, where, to his conster- 
nalioii he beheld, flitting about in the dim light of the sub- 
dued fire, the figures of full grown elfs to the number of 
half a dozen. Spectres they were, sure enough ! — full fledged 
iairies! Eli did not hesitate long in selecting a line of re- 
treat. The house reached, the door was soon opened and 
again securely fastened, and Eli Dusky safe from intrusion. 

That night the tairies enjoyed a rich feast, and got home 
in good time for a sound nap before daylight — larger boys 
might have fared worse. 

Montgomery was not so unimportant a settlement as to be 
overlooked by the showmen of the day. As early as 1812, 
the leader of a troupe and proprietor of a menagerie* with 
Barnum's enterprise and Ilobinson's pluck, entered the great 
town of two taverns, j)rocured a stable and provender for 
his menagerie, and board and lodging for his troupe. 

Next day he advertised his great show, and the news was 
blazed abroad throughout the entire settlement, and t! e 
wagons and horses, men and women, boys and girls, came to 
the number of fifty. The exposition was a complete success. 
Exposition Hall was crowded to the hay mows, and the mu- 
latto man with his docile elephant were the finest troupe 
that had ever acted, and the greatest show that had ever 
been exhibited in the town ot Montgomery. 

Two of the spectators of this remarkable exhibition were 
Abniliam E-oosa, of the village, and Albert Ferris, now of 
Remington; and Exposition Hall is not unknown to the 
writer. 

FISHING GROUNDS. 

The Montgomery fishing grounds are located on either 
side of the Paper Fabrique factory, at the bend of the IMiami. 
To these places city sportsmen resort and "camp out;" and 
here Montgomery men and boys in the proper season may 
be seen catching with hook and net, the shining bass and 
playful perch of this classic stream. 

BATHING PLACES — SKATING GROUNDS. 

Alon*? I he banks of the broad river, are numerous bathing 
places, that are frequented in the summer season, and 



102 Subzi7^ban Monies, 

especially on Saturday evenings, by boys and men. Nnra 
bers of young people on horseback, in wagons and on loot, 
may be seen winding their Avay to and from the sandy beach 
and gravel banks, where the water -is clear and pure, and 
swimming is safely learned and practiced. 

From such a sheet of water it may be inferred that tho 
facilities for skating are great. 

SCENERY. 

In describing the scenery of Madeira and Osero, we neces- 
sarily encroached upon that of Montgomery. West of the 
village the land is comparatively level, and inclines toward 
the boundary line of the table land. A little way out the 
fields stretch out into broad meadows of luxuriant grass, 
flanked by forests ot oak and walnut and beech. 

As we approach the western boundary, the slope of the 
land constantly affords fine landscapes, extending beyond the 
wide valley of Mill creek. 

South of the village we have on one side the undulating 
surface, and on the other, the extensive cornfields, broad 
meadows and fine forests. Northward the country is more 
primeval. Woods and forests abound with numerous clear- 
ings, that appear like parks and lawns, in the distance. On 
the side toward the river, the undulations continue, while to- 
ward the Mill creek valley, the level surface prevails. 

Eastward, our face is toward the stations. Here, knolls 
and curving banks and wide ravines abound. 

From the higher ground, splendid prospects open. For 
a mile or two in all directions, the surface inclines to the 
river, as it takes its south-eastern course, and the declivities 
thus formed are seen to fine advantage, when viewed from a 
point of the Station road near to the residence of Mr. Green. 
Tlie hills of the adjoining counties, Hamilton and Clermont, 
and the intervening lands form the sides of the basin, in 
which is located the old Montgomery station, and the new 
post town of Eemington. 

TH£ DRIVES 

About Montgomery are numei;ous and attractive. The 
thoroughfare on the turnpike not being great, there is 



Subti7ba7i Homes, 103 

comparatively little dust, and twelve miles of this road lie 
between the town and the city, and eight miles in the oppo- 
site direction. Intersecting this pike are numerous roads, 
some macadamized, and most of them leading to a town or 
hamlet within a few miles. Pleasant Ridge, Madisonville, 
Madeira, Miami ville, Branch Hill, Loveland, Sharon ville, 
Reading, Lockland, and intermediate hamlets, are all within a 
radius of a few miles. 

The Station road intersects the town, under the name ol 
Mechanic street, and extends westward toward Reading. 
Some two miles out it is intersected by the Sharon pike, 
which in its turn is intersected by numerous by-roads. 

Northward, the Montgomery pike is intersected in the 
same way, the western roads leading through thick forests 
and along noiseless elastic roads that are delightful to ride 
upon. Here, pleasure seekers can leave their ^/ chicles, and 
undisturbed by a single passenger, gather in their season 
plants and ferns, and mosses, and blackberries fresh from the 
buslies, or take a stroll among the tall maples, the wide 
spreading sturdy oaks, and sheltering beech trees. 

THE OMNIBUS LINES. 

An omnibus line connects Montgomery with the city, and 
another recently estabHshed, connects the town with the sta- 
tion, and meets the accommodation trains. Fare from the 
village to the city, including omnibus, sixty-five cents. 

For h-eight, etc., see Remington. 

REMINGTON. 

MONTGOMERY STATION. 

Were we to institute a comparison between the various 
settlements on the road, we should say that Remington 
was the most picturesque. It is a beautiful valley, that 
at one time, ages past, must have formed a lake of about 
a square mile. It is bounded on the east by a stretch 
of the Miami river, and on the south by Sycamore creek, 
with the high and sloping banks of each bej^ond. Directly 



104 Suburban ITomes, 

opposite the station, the river makes a sudden bend of ahiiost 
a right angle, and at a slightly obtuse angle, the opposite 
banks of the Sycamore approach those of the Miami. The 
direction of the river beyond the bend is south-east, and the 
bend is the point of convergence between the opposite 
wooded banks of creek and river, and is the vertex of a sec- 
tor, the arc of which completes the boundary of Remington 
basin. Along the curving line of this boundary, the land 
rises at gentle elevations, into a series of regular knolls, ter- 
minating on the east in a high bluiff that immediately over- 
looks the river. The intermediate ground is comparatively 
level, with the right inclination for drainage. 

It will thus be seen that the knolls referred to all front the 
south-east, and that the prospect h'om them includes wood 
and water, hill and dale — chief elements of a complete land- 
scape. Nor are the minor elements wanting. Meadows and 
pastures are not absent from the scene, nor the lowing herd, 
the curling smoke of the half concealed farm house, the 
winding road, the cot on the hill, nor the old water mill — all 
these are here. Directly opposite the station, and at the 
bend of the river, is the old grist mill, that until lately was 
the fiiithful servant of the farming population. Now it has 
changed its name and business, and is known as the Paper 
Fabrique factory, but its appearance is little altered, and the 
landscape in consequence little changed. 

Such a delightful spot could not long escape the attention 
of lovers of the beautiful, especially as it wears the appear,- 
ance of seclusion, in addition to its i^icturesque beauty; ac- 
cordingly, one who is now President of the Young Men's 
Mercantile Library Association, secured the choicest points 
of location some years ago, and has since added to their ex- 
tent, and is constantly improving them. 

The accompanjdng engraving shows the character of these 
improvements. Mr. Munson has been unsparing in his out- 
lay. His outhouses rival his residence ; his stable and car- 
riage house, green house, deer park and hennery, have been 
contrived with taste, and fitted up regardless of expense. 
His greenhouse contains 600 square feet of glass. 



Stcbu7'ban ITomes, 105 



111 bis hennery are the choicest poultry, in his garden and 
greenhouse tlie rarest plants, and in his stable half a dozen 
of tlie finest breed of hor&es. 

In the rear of the residence is a dense wood and a thicket, 
and on one side a kitchen and fruit garden. The extent of 
the j)lace is about thirty acres, ani its name, Gad's Hill. 

South of the station is the residence of John Cameron — a 
fancy Swiss cottage, overlooking the valley of the Sycamore 
and the Miami, and near to it the residence of his son. 

East of the station, is the snug little cottage ot Lawrence 
Spaeth, who is a special mail agent^ to whom we are indebted 
for postal information. 

Not for from the two last mentioned, is the residence of 
Albert Ferris, one of the oldest citizens. Mrs. Ferris is sixty 
years of age. His father and family came to Columbia in 
1790, remained there eighteen months, then cut his way 
through the Avoods to the vicinity of the place now known 
as Pleasant Kidge, and camped in a wagon till his block 
house was constructed. Hi? land cost him only §2 an acre. 

William Humphrey is another old citizen, and of this im- 
mediate neighborhood. His land consists of 260 acres, di- 
vided between two farms, one of which contains the beauti- 
ful knolls referred to. His house, a substantial brick building, 
stands back toward the hill, and is nearly concealed by foliage. 

On the hill beyond this residence, is the home of one well 
known and respected in Cincinnati, Jabez Reynolds, formerly 
engaged in the iron business. 

Mr. Reynolds is a man of strictly rural and domestic hab- 
its, and so devoted to the improvement of his place, that he 
has scarcely made the acquaintance of his neighbors. His 
farm is 100 acres in extent, and a point of it forms the bluff 
referred to in the description of the scenery. 

Mr. Reynolds believes in and understands the science of 
drainage, understands and practices grafting and budding, 
knows the choicest kinds of fruit and shade trees, and culti- 
vates them; and enjoys the gratification of gathering the 
largest crops of everything he plants or cares for. His quin- 
ces, says a lady at our side, are the finest she has used. 



106 Suburba7i Jffomes, 

Adjoining Mr. Miinson's place on tlie west, is the home of 
Harvey Ferin — a place of eleven acres, with two-story Ihinie 
residence. Mr. Perin has much improved this place, nnd. 
enjoys the country. 

Opposite this place is a pretty little fnrm of forty-eli>ht 
acre", with a neat cottage house, the property of Albert L. 
Smith, of Cincinnati. 

As we pass from Remington westward to Montgomery, we 
cross the Sycamore creek, and immediately come upon the 
new mill, that manufactures and dispenses natural food, where 
spiritual food a few years ago was wont to be dispensed. 
Our thrilty miller, Zurwell, who formerly ran the old mill on 
the river, added a story to the old stone church at this place, 
and grinds wheat and corn by steam. 

Passing the mill, we enter one of those romantic vales or 
ravines that inspire timid natures with awe, but charm lovers 
of retirement and admirers of the sublime. The road is 
circuitous, and the steep banks running up fifty feet, are 
covered with heavy timber, that casts a deep shade all around. 
This transferred to Eden Park, would make the most attrac- 
tive walk and drive of that fine improvement. The head of 
this ravine brings us to the table land already referred to. 

For outdoor pastimes, Remington seems to excel in ac- 
commodation. Fish are sometimes caught in great numbers, 
while skating in winter and boating in summer, are favorite 
amusements. 

THE OMNIBUS LINE. 

An omnibus line connects Montgomery with the station, 
meeting the accommodation trains. Fare to the city, includ- 
ing 'bus travel, sixty-five cents. 

FREIGHT, PARE, ETC., 

The cost of freight, per car, from the city, is $16. Com- 
mutation tickets, per month, $6. The elevation of the station 
is 150 feet above low water. 

PRICES OP PROPERTY. 

Property here ranges from $150 to $250 an acre. 



Subu7'ban Ifomes, 107 



C0MWUT0R3. 



Tlie following purchase monthly tickets: C. W. Jordan, 
C. F. Perin, S. H. Perin, J. H. Mayhew, R. F. Smith, C. W. 
Jones, Richard Nelson, N. Morrill. 

SYMMES STATION AND BRANCH HILL. 

These places represent the rival roads between Loveland 
end the city, Symmes bein^j; on the M. & C, and Branch 
Hill on the Little Miami. Between them is the Little Miami 
river, and connecting them, the pretty suspension bridge. 

The scenery in this vicinity is highly picturesque. A wide 
basin, includes several hundred acres of ground, and all 
around are the high hills, the verge of the table lands of 
Hamilton county on the west, and those of Clermont county 
on the east. At 

8YMME8 STATION. 

Dr. J. W. Baen, kindly escorted us over the adjacent hill, 
where a noble landscape is presented to view. Here is again 
reached the table land of Hamilton, and opposite, across the 
river, that of Clermont. On the verge of the latter, Ave see 
the handsome residences of Gen. Powell, Mrs. Rule, Messrs. 
Brower, Ai-mstrong, Walton, Branch and Stabler, and below, 
the residences of Col. Branch and Messrs. G. M. D. Bloss and 
William Russell, and below us is the connecting link between 
the adjoining counties — the handsome suspension bridge. 
Northward are the bridges that cross a nameless creek, and 
close to the station is the Symmes mill, so noted for its ex- 
cellent flour. 

The power of this mill, we pause to state, is not only the 
best, but the least expensive on tht; river, and its capacity 
fifty barrels a day. 

Near by we see the rural residence of our friend, the Doc- 
tor, which in the season, is embowered in foliage and flowers, 
and at a little distance from it the substantial home of his 
brother-in-law, Hamilton Pollock. 

Turning toward the west, we find that we are standing on 



108 Stibu7'ban Monies, 

the edge of a wide plateau of about 100 acres, as it gently 
inclines toward the north and east — a most delightful tract 
for a town site, only two or three hundred feet from the rail- 
road, and commanding a range of river view extendiug all 
the way from Remington to a point near Loveland. 

Skirting this tract on the north-west, is the Township road 
that lends from the suspension bridge to the Montgomery 
turnpike. Contemplated improvements on this road will 
make it an attractive carriage drive, not only for those who 
may settle on these desirable grounds, but for residents ot 
the adjoining county. 

This tract is owned by Dr. Baen and two others, between 
whom there seems to be little community of interest; ac- 
cordingly it is not yet in the market. 

Scanning the line of the brow of this high land, we notice 
that it extends a distance of a quarter of a mile, till it is in- 
tersected by a nameless creek, where it makes a slightly 
acute angle, and converges toward the river, which it reaches 
at the distance of about a mile. 

Descending the hill near the bluff, we pass the ruins of 
what is known as those of the old Agnew homestead, and 
again find ourselves at the station. There we have the pleas- 
ure of an introduction to the venerable fixther-indaw of Dr. 
Baen, Ezekiel Pollock, whose good round age would indicate 
that S^nnmes-toAvn is not an unhealthy place to live in. Mr. 
Pollock was born on the 24:th da}^ of May, 1790, and accord- 
ingly is in his eighty-filth year. His iiither, James Pollock, 
was the first settler in this vicinit}^, having purchased a tract 
of two or three hundred acres, from Judge Symmes, in 1795. 

The first grist mill erected on the Little Miami river, and 
known as Elliott's or the Company's mill, occupied this basin 
not far distant from the site of the present mill. 

During its early history, Symmes was a place of greater 
relative importance than at present. At one time it was a 
rendezvous for travelers as well as adventurers and the 
neighboring settlers. Not far from it was the trail of an In- 
dian tribe, which crossed at Three Islands on their way be 
tween Columbia and Chillicothe. 



Suburban JTomes, 109 

Time being limited, we could not wait for a recital of some 
of the early incidents of Indian warfare and backwoodsmen's 
adventures, so we parted from our venerable interlocutor, 
directing our steps toward a rising ground at some distance 
along the line of the road. Reaching it, it proved to be a 
plateau of some fifteen feet in height — above the level of 
the railroad, and 150 acres in extent — a tract admirably 
adapted for building purposes, with a soil composed of gravel 
and rich loam, on a sandy base. This tract increases in ele- 
vation as it recedes from the front, till it reaches the shelter- 
ing hills in the rear. The drainage is natural and the water 
excellent, filtered as it is, in passing from the river beds. In 
some places this water is reached by driving down iron pipes 
to which pumps are afterward attached. 

The advantage of a portion of this tract for building pur- 
poses, were fully appreciated by the first settler, James Pol- 
Icck, who in 1812, laid it out in town lots, a plat of Avliich is 
now in Dr. Baen's possession. But that was before the days 
of railroads or even turnpikes in that vicinity, and the enter- 
prise not succeeding, the property reverted to its former 
uses. 

Turning our attention to the river, we find that a little 
above this point, it deepens and forms what the settlers 
called a " pond," that extends a distance of one and a half 
miles, and abounds with a variety of the finny tribe, giving it 
the title of the Symmes' fishing ground. In winter here is a 
skating rink, capable of accommodating the thousands of 
graceful skaters, ladies and gentlemen of the city. 

The land inclosed within the Symmes basin is rich, pro- 
ducing heavy crops of corn and potatoes, and portions of it 
in what is called "first bottom," would be invaluable for 
gardening purposes. With the aid of the railroad to carry 
out manure, as is done in the vicii\ity of Philadelphia, and to 
bring back car loads of vegetables, this ground would have 
its effect in cheapening food for city consumers. 

The cost of the land about Symmes is variable — the rich 
bottom land being worth $300 per acre, and the upland ft'om 
$80 some distance from the river, to §150 near the railroad. 



110 Subu7'ban Monies. 



Symmes is supplied with a church and a school housp, the 
former being the property oi the Methodist denomination. 

BRANCH HILL. 

We enjoyed the pleasure of a visit to Col. John Branch at 
his beautiful residence, just below Branch Hill. His house 
is a frame building of two-stories, with a front veranda, and a 
wi le hall through the center leading to two elegant par- 
lors, fronting the railroad. The Colonel is refitting and re- 
furnishing his house, at considerable expense, and with de- 
cided taste. From him we learned that his father, Joseph 
W. Branch, came out to the place that bears his name in 
1835, but that he had owned the property many years before 
that time. His tract contained 500 acres, which he did 
not live long to enjoy, having died in 1837. 

Col. Branch's property consists of seventy acres, part of 
which is occupied with fruit trees and grape vines. Not 
long since he sold a tract of twenty acres to Mr. Russell, 
who laid it out in building lots. 

The Colonel is known to be a public spirited enterprising 
man. The county sent him to the legislature, and for twenty 
years kept him at the head of its agricultural society. 
Twenty-four j^ears ago, he organized that society, and for 
many years was the chief person engaged in preserving its 
existence. After a series of drawbacks and frequent re- 
verses, the society is now established on a fixed basis, the 
OAvner of twenty acres of free unincumbered land in the 
town of Boston, Clermont county. 

In agriculture. Col. Branch has been a successful experi- 
mentalist, especially in the culture of sorghum and the 
manufacture of molasses. He has one ot the best sugar 
houses in the State, and has obtained a wide-spread reputa- 
tion for the possession of the best qualities of seed. In a 
single year, the sale of seeds amounted to 700 bushels, which 
brought an average of $^2.50. His land produced of sorghum 
alone an income of $370 an acre. 

Between the Colonel's residence and the bridge, is the 
home of William Russell. This is also a two-story frame 



Subu7^ban J7omes, 111 

building, with bay windows and a veranla. The location of 
the house is at the intersection of the raikoad with the 
Newbury road, that leads from the bridge. 

The location is a pretty one, and the improvements neat 
and tasteful. 

Mr. Russell is duplicating this handsome building on an 
other lot, besides which, several houses are in course of con- 
struction, and to be constructed on his tract during this 
summer. 

Mr. Eussell, as already intimated, purchased of Colonel 
Branch, twenty acres of building property, on a part of 
which his house stands, and laid it out in five lots to the acre, 
•which he sold at 1350 each, payable at the rate of ?5 a month. 
In five weeks 100 of the lots were sold, and those now left 
command a premium. 

On the hill, above the residence of Col. Branch, are those 
of his elder brother, and of Gen. Powell ; both entered from 
the main road, (jqw, Powell's residence occupies a beautiful 
site commanding a fine view of the river, the railroads and 
the bridge, and a wide range of the opposite table land. 

A short distance irom Mr. Russell's residence, is that of 
G. M. D. B!oss, late of the Enquirer. Mr. Bloss has a com- 
fortable rural home, quiet, retired and finely located for land- 
scape views. He has recently added several acres to his 
lot, which he will doubtless soon improve with handsome 
buildings. 

On Branch Hill, above him, is a pretty house, the property 
of Wm. Hanna, and nearer to the road, on the summit, that 
of Charles Walton, a handsome two-story frame building, 
with garden and lawn of eleven acres. 

A little farther out on the Newbury road, is the residence 
of Mr. Johnston, son of J. F. Johnston. 

Next is Mr. Johnston's farm of 140 acres, much of which is 
planted in orchards. Mr. Johnston is an enterprising suc- 
cessful farmer and mechanic, who has a family of sons all 
doing well. Miles Johnston, attorney-at-law in Cincinnati, is 
a member of the family, and takes considerable interest in 
the affairs of the homestead. 



112 Subu7*ban JTojnes. 



Bej^ond Mr. Johnston's is the neat district school house, 
and near to it the residence of Mr. Sewell, built in the villa 
stjde, with oval top long windows, projecting cornices, I'ront 
veranda, and a handsome cupola. Connected with this house 
is a lot of twelve acres. 

At the intersection of the Newbury road with the 
Miamiville and Loveland road, is the beautiful country resi- 
dence of the Rev. Dr. Chalfant. This is a brick and irame 
building, remodeled and enlarged from a farm house pur- 
chased by the Doctor some three years ago. Around this 
house is a large lawn, well covered with shade and orna- 
mental trees, apples, pears, cherries and plums, trellises of 
grape vines, groups of shrubs and flowers. Suspended 
among the trees were numerous baskets of creepers. 

Approaching the hall door by a curved walk, we noticed 
the neat veranda that offers shade and shelter, and a good 
outlook on the cross roads. Entering, we found the saloon 
parlor, the cosy library, the comfortable family room, the 
convenient dining room, finished and furnished with genu- 
ine good taste. Every comfort and convenience seemed to 
be present. Bath room, w^ater suppl}^, pantry— everything 
that a well appointed city residence might be expected to 
have was there, excepting perhaps the item of coal and gas; 
but the chandeliers and other substitutes were not wanting. 

Some distance from the dwelling are barn and stables, 
where are kept a noble, well matched pair ot carriage horses 
and a handsome bay, for the pleasure of the lady of the house. 

A short distance from the residence, are orchards of peach- 
es, pears, apples, quinces, etc., oif which a professional Iruit 
grower might realize a handsome income. 

Two groves of stately forest trees shelter the place on the 
south and east; good fences keep off stray stock, and careful 
men keep everything in order. The whole extent of the 
place is eighty acres, and its name — a fit one — Home Place. 

Before leaving Clermont county, we may state that many 
of the residents in the vicinity of the river would much pre- 
fer to be attached to Hamilton— would even give a bonus to 
^t there— so says Col. Branch. Their county seat is some 



Suhu7'ba7i Homes, 113 

sixteen miles distant, and the roads inlerior for winter travel, 
thus subjecting people in the vicinity of the river to the loss 
ol one or two days, when business calls them to the Court 
House. 

LOVELAND. 

This suburb is situated at the junction of the Marietta & 
Cincinnati with the Little Miami Railroad, and lies in the 
three counties, Clermont, Warren and Hamilton. 

The to\\n of Loveland, liowever, is more limited in extent, 
and its situation exclusively in Clermont county. This town 
was laid out in 18i8, by Col. William Ramsey, who then 
owned most of the property in the vicinity. Bounding the 
town on the west is the Little Miami river, and on the north 
the Obannon (pronounced Obanyon) creek. The former is a 
beautiful stream at this point— neither sluggish nor swift, 
alike adapted for fishing and boating, and the latter is a tur- 
bulent stream in rainy weather. Over these are constructed 
five bridges, three for railroad and two for general travel. 

Building property in the town being limited, and ham- 
pered with a network of railroads, the suburbs soon began 
to establish itself on the surrounding hills and the opposite 
side of the river, which is now known as West Loveland. 

SCENERY AND DRIVES. 

Loveland is noted for its scenery, which generally includes 
a water view. Fine landscapes present themselves from all 
the numerous heights, and dense woods, fruit orchards, and 
farm settlements abound. 

The drives crossing or running parallel with the river are 
beautiful, while the numerous country roads and pikes inter- 
secting the high land, afford charming prospects. The con- 
venience of two livery stables, facilitates pleasure riding. A 
horse and buggy can be hired for $3.50 a day, and the entire 
suburbs prospected in less than that time. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

Approaching Loveland by the M. & C. Railroad, we notice 
on a moderate elevation, and fronting railroad and riVer, the 
handsome villa of G. H. Lounsbery. 
8 



114 Suburba7i JTomes. 

This is a cottage building, unique in design and finish, and 
imposing in appearance. In the center rises a graceful 
tower, in front of which and on either side are tasteful ve- 
randas. An ample bay window on the south, and dormer 
windows with gothic arches, surmountsd with pinnacles to 
correspond with the pointed eaves, form the striking peculi- 
arilies of this attractive and symmetrical edifice. 

We have called it a cotta^-e ; by which we do not mean a 
little house of one-story, suitable for a newly married couple. 
On the contrar\^, this is strictly a two-story house of sixteen 
rooms, forty feet in front, and eighty-three feet deep. 

We would fain describe the interior arrangements of this 
model house, but to do so would have to make the tour of it, 
pencil and note book in hand. Suffice it to state that a bath 
room, hot and cold water throughout the house, and other 
conveniences, make it equal to city residences, and that so 
complete is the establishment, that more than one have made 
it their model. 

The wide lawn intersected with drives and gravel walks, 
that isolate a circular area in front of the house, the pretty 
summer house, the osage hedge in front, the shining river and 
the rich scenery beyond, are among the features that would 
commend this beautiful suburban home to the city business 
man. 

South of the house is a regular mound or knoll, fifty feet 
\\\ height, 0!i the summit of which is a towering white oak 
standing sentinel over the ground below; and near to it, judi- 
ciously and tastefully placed is a second summer house, 
which forms at once an observatory and a resting place. On 
the gracefully curving sides of the mound, Mr. Lounsbery 
has planted numerous pear trees, which alreidy add to the 
picturesqueness of the localit}^, and will largely contribute to 
tlie general embellishment of the grounds. 

Connected with house and grounds is a farm of fifty acres, 
which calls for numerous outhouses that are ingeniously con- 
cealed from the front view. 1,000 fruit trees, 700 of which 
are pears, many of them in bearing condition, and a select 
variety of grape vines, will impart some idea of the luxuries 



Sicbzi?'ba?i Jlomes, 115 

enjoyed by this happy family. Having failed in cultivating 
the grape as a vineyard, Mr. Lounsbery resorted to the ex- 
pedient of training on his outhouses, and is now rewarded 
with the most abundant crops. His Catawba's 1,800 of which 
variety were destroyed by rot, now produce unfailiugh". 

We have occupied a little more than the usual space in 
this description, in order to convey to city people some idea 
of the comfort and luxury of a suburban residence, conducted 
on ecouomical principles, and to convince them that while 
the experiment of a year or two in the suburbs may suffice 
for people of a peevish and discontented disposition, it is not 
always the foult of the suburbs. Mr. Lounsbery has lived 
here many years, enjoyed church and society privileges, is 
having a large family well educated ; lives within half a mile 
of the town, and gets on and off the cars at his own station, 
the train passing through his grounds, and within 500 feet of 
his residence. 

Not far distant from Mr. Lounsbery's place, is the present 
home ot E. P. Goodnough, a handsome two-story frame 
building, facing the river and the intervening county road. 
This is a large roomy house, with a saloon parlor, hall, veran- 
da, bay window, and the usual apartments of that style of 
building. Close by, is the noble river with its fishing 
grounds, almost at the garden gate; and beyond it, a valley, 
on each side of which are cultivated fields and wooded 
slopes, green Avith growing grain, and verdant with varied 
tints of luxuriant foliage. Shading the river are the tall 
elms and spreading sycamores that fringe that stream much 
of its entire length. A lovely retreat, this riverside home, 
for those who appreciate the tranquil scene, the placid river, 
the cooling sliade, the solitary ramble or the social confab, or 
a row in the tiny boat with an interesting companion or wife 
and baby abaft. To reach this home from his business, Mr. 
Goodnough, like Mr. Lounsbery, has to walk only a few 
squares in the city, take his seat in the luxurious cars, where, 
discussing temperance or finance with a friend, or lost in the 
pages of his prototype, Chnrles Lamb, or his fovorite Dick- 
ens, he is unconscious of his being whirled home at the rate 



116 Sub2i7'ba7i jRomes, 



of twenty miles an hour, when the cheerful voice of the con- 
ductor announces '^ Lounsbery station." 

Nearer to the town, and situated on the river bank, is the 
residence of Col. Nash, conductor on the Loveland accommo- 
dation train, whose pleasant smile and courteous manners 
have secured for him the friendship and esteem of commu- 
tors all along the road. 

This house is an humble two-story brick building, that may 
have been an unpretending farmer's home, but the place is 
nevertheless regarded with as much interest by those who 
know the Colonel, as if it were the finest villa in the suburbs. 
As we passed, carpenters and painters were at work enlarg- 
ing and improving; and the six acres of ground so admirably 
situated for, and highly susceptible of embellishment, were 
being subjected to that process. 

West of the river, and near the railroad bridge, is the hand- 
some residence of E. M. Shields — a large two-story frame 
building, with verandas on the south and east, a spacious hall 
in the center, and a parlor on each side. 

Fronting the building is an elegant lawn, tastefully laid 
out with walks and drives, and planted with a variety of 
thrifty evergreens, shrubs and flowers. Statues and statu- 
ettes in color and otherwise, adorn this beautiful place, ar- 
ranged, as they are, with taste and judgment among the green 
grass, or unexpected!}^ meeting the passenger at some sudden 
corner. Fine looking mastiffs keep silent watch over the 
grounds, and young Sambo, perched in a comic attitude on a 
bale of cotton near the door, extends his kindly greeting to 
the stranger. 

Immediately north of Mr. Shields' place is that of Dr. 
Brown, now occupied by the Rev. H. A. Rossitor. This is a 
gothic balloon Irame building, fronting the river, and located 
on the river road. 

Farther north, is Riverside hotel — a fine square building of 
twenty-one rooms, designed as a summer resort for city peo- 
ple. This house has recently been leased by G. W. Thomp- 
son, who, before this book is issued, will have it furnished in 
a comfortable manner, and many of its rooms occupied. 



* Subu7'ba7t Homes, 117 

Passing through the honse we noticed that the rooms were 
quite spacious and well lighted — the windows on all sides 
commanding fine views of this country of fine landscapes. 
Near by, and directly in Iront is the deep river, where boys 
mny be seen angling, and where boating is a delightlul pas- 
time. 

Along the river side are quiet promenades, and stretching 
across the broad river almost li'oni the hotel door, is the 
noble truss bridge recently erected. 

A balcony overlooking the town and environs eastward, 
is a pleasant outlook lor the weary or the invalid. 

Such a hotel, so admirably situated, is an acquisition not 
only to Loveland, but to Cincinnati, as it forms a desirable 
place of retreat for overworked business men and persons of 
delicate health, where they can enjoy at moderate rates, the 
advantages of i)ure air, fine scenery, fresh food, and abund- 
ance of Iruit in season. 

North of the hotel is the elegant residence and grounds of 
Dr. Law, senior member of Law's Insurance Agenc3^ This 
is a commodious irame building, embowered in shade and 
foliage, and commanding a fine view of the wooded pro- 
montory bej^ond the river, and the intervening placid stream 
from which it is retired several hundred feet. 

The exterior of this house is in strict accordance with its 
surroundings. Verandas overlook the adorned grounds, and 
a light brown coloring, with trimmings of deeper shade, add 
to ihe quiet beauty of the place. A wide hall of eight feet 
affords access to double parlors, with high ceilings and other 
appointments, forming the ground floor. 

The lawn is entered by a handsome gateway, and is inter- 
Bected with good walks and carriage drives that encircle an 
area near the hall door. \\\ this space are choice shrubber}', 
evergreens and Iruit trees. Liclining toward the river are 
terraced portions of the lawn, that impart to the place a 
pleasing diversity of surface. 

A rockery built with taste and skill, and cared for by a 
fair florist, is an attractive feature of the lawn. Litroduced 
in the structure are numerous intustices, cracks and crannies 



118 Subti7'ba?i Homes, 



which are filled with blooming flowers and variegated plants 
and creepers, that impart' to it an animated appearance, in 
pleasing contrast with the unmeaning piles of loose brown 
rock that disfigure many otherwise tasteful gardens. But the 
crowning beauty of these grounds is the full grown sliade 
and ornamental trees and shrubbery. Noble pines and firs 
and spruces tower to a height ol thirty ieet, and numerous 
species or plants and shrubs and fruit trees laden wiih rich 
foliage, fragrant flowers or luscious fruit, are interspersed 
throughout the grounds, imparting to them an air of hixury 
and grandeur compared with which the finest architectural 
improvements without tliem sink into insignificance. 

An active member of and an efficient officer in the 
church, and a friend of reform, Dr. Law is yet strictly domes- 
tic in his habits, occupying his spare moments in snperin lend- 
ing his large farm, and overlooking his garden and grounds, 
using the spade and hoe and rake to do that which a faslidi- 
ous taste and superior intelligence would not intrust to 
others 

North of the Doctor's farm, is the residence of his son, 
W. F. Law, of the firm of Law Brothers, also insurance agents. 
This is a handsome gothic cottage, with twelve acres of 
ground connected. A lawn of an acre is undergoing im- 
provement in accordance with the principles of modern 
landscape gardening. 

West of his flither's property, and on Longview avenue, is 
the residence of John H. Law, junior member of Law's In- 
surance Agency. 

This is a handsome villa, with veranda, bay window, and 
the usual appointments of modern built suburban residen- 
ces, and stands upon a conspicuous rising ground that 
overlooks all Loveland. The extent of the place approaches 
thirty acres, most of which is laid out in lawn and pleasure 
grounds. Winding drives, and circuitous gravel walks, a 
lawn studded with fruit and ornamental trees, choice shrub- 
bery and flowers ; on the winding avenue, a well ot the 
finest water, full to the brim, and protected by substantial 
masonry, are some of the attractions of this attractive place. 



Subu7'ba7i Homes, 119 

But a still greater attraction to the city business man would 
probably be the scenery. 

Spread out before the spectator at this point, is the entire 
basin of Loveland, and the opposing slopes of the table land 
beyond. 

On the left, is the bluff of ^YOoded high land of Mrs. 
Judge Ball and Mr. Sengstek, in the center the Obannon 
with its iertile slopes studded with villas, on the right the 
massive school building, and intervening, the ben ling river, 
the numerous bridges, the tracks of the rival roads, the ele- 
gant residences, and the new hotel — a picturesque landscape, 
and appropriately named Grand View. 

East of iJr. i.aw's, and on the oi)posite side of the river, is 
the tasteful villa ol' Theodore Sengstek — an elegant brick 
building with vernnda, bay windows and a handsome tower. 
Ih's residence is situated on the bluff or promontoiy already 
reierred to, and is sufficient'y retired from the verge to ad- 
mit of a wide semi-circular lawn, bounded by the forest of 
heavy timber that covers the sloping banks or hill side. 

One of the characteristics of this home is its seclusion. 
Though located on one of the most prominent eminences, 
and on the verge of the village, from which, by a short path 
through the woods the station can be reached in a few min- 
utes, it is yet unseen, and as completely isolated as if it were 
many miles from civilization. 

The same taste that was evinced in the selection of the 
site, located the avenue that forms its entrance. A winding 
turnpike road leads to an avenue which brings the visitor to 
these romantic grounds. 

Looking down the steep declivity on the north-west of 
the grounds, a wilderness of thicket presents itself, and 
through it are caught glimpses of the darkly shaded river 
below. Winding down this slope is the rustic patli referred 
to — a well-made walk for two. Altogether this is a well 
selected site, and a judiciously improved home. 

On an opposing knoll southward, and bounded by the Mur- 
doch pi'ke on one side, and the Obannon on the other, is the 
Cottage home of the Eobb family. Like Mr. Sengsteck's 



120 'Subu?'ba7t Homes, 

dwelling, this house is almost hidden from the view of the 
village, by the tall forest trees that surround it. A carriage 
drive from the pike leads to. the house, through a handsome 
pasture lot studded Avith forest trees. 

The laAvn of this rural abode is of sufficiently easy inclina- 
tion to admit of a comfortable if not attractive stroll, espe- 
cially when pears are ripe ; for the trees that bear that deli- 
cious iruit are among the objects of ornament and shade. 
Suspended among the trees are those indications of refine- 
ment and taste that are to young men suggestive of the 
question "who lives there?" and from all points of the 
grounds are caught glimpses or a full view of the scenery in 
every direction. 

About three quarters of a mile above Loveland, the river 
makes a sudden bend, and forms a basin of 1,000 feet, and as 
suddenly changes, passing down at the same angle as it ap- 
proached. At either end of this basin the ground is high and 
precipitous, and covered with wood. In the center it rises 
at an easy angle of about fifteen degrees, opening up fine 
landscape views of the opposite side of the river. 

This is the enchanting si)ot selected by the late Judge Hall 
ior his summer residence, and a more charming place could 
not easily be found. When purchased some eighteen years 
ago, this slope was covered with timber, now it is a spacious 
lawn, with enough of the forest to make agreeable shade and 
add to its iMcturesqueness. 

At the summit of this slope is the mansion — a fine build- 
ing with projecting cornices, roomy porches, a parlor bay 
window, spacious halls, lofty ceilings, and all the appointments 
alike consistent with refined taste and grandeur of conception. 

On the plateau above is the lawn proper with its serpentine 
drives and walks, abundance of shade and ornament. Bound- 
ing it on either side is a forest and a beautiful orchard — 
woods, pleasure grounds and orchard, making about thirty 
acres of the estate of 140. 

Mrs. Smith is the owner of the fine mansion formerly the 
property and residence of M. Bare. This is a handsome 
building with a mansard roof, arid the usual appointments of 



Subui'ban JTomes, 121 



modern-built suburban residences. Bath rooms, liot and 
cold water, and large parlors are among tlie luxuries and con- 
veniences it affords. Situated on the edge of the town, the 
place is easy of access, while its location on the slope of the 
hill, secures for its inmates extensive landscape views. 

Mrs. Smith has recently established a school here for 
young ladies and children, and during the summer vacation, 
as well as at other times, accommodates city families with 
rooms. 

Dr. Smith's residence is a two-story frame building with a 
tower, verandas and bay windows, eleven rooms besides bath 
room, pantry, wide hall and stairway — a substantial house 
well finished and comfortable. 

Connected with this house is a tract of eight acres, besides 
which the Doctor owns thirty-seven and a half acres, which 
is well planted with fruit bearing trees of T/arious kinds, 
blackberries, currants, etc. 

On the same line eastward, is the home of ^Ir. Gould — a 
two story frame with veranda and bay window. This, like 
Dr. Smith's, has a sloping lawn that affords a winding drive 
from the country road which it fronts. 

Still farther eastward, is a new and handsome brick build- 
ing, the home of Mr. Kamsey. This house is sheltered by 
fine forest trees, and near by is an orchard. The house con- 
tains eight full sized rooms, besides smaller ones ; has bay 
windows, and when finished, will have verandas on three 
sides. 

Built under his immediate superintendence — the house is 
a substantial one, and has been constructed alika for beauty, 
comfort and durability. Tlie main walks have been made 
double to prevent dampness, and every precaution used and 
improvement adopted that an ingenious mechanic would be 
likely to devise. 

In the town, and near to the Young Ladies' Institute, is the 
residence of Dr. Carmichael — a two-story frame building, 
which, with tlip grounds, are models of neatness and thrift. 
Shade and fruit, vegetables and flowers, are the bounteous pro- 
d ictions of his garden, the flowers being under the special care 



122 Sub2i7^ba7i JIa77tes, 

of Ins estimable lacV. Having enjoyed the i^lensure of a 
call upon the Doctor, we Ibunil him in his office surrounded 
with a multitude of books on medical science, but pleasnntly 
communicative on society and church affairs, with which he 
is perfectly familiar. 

AVilliin a sqmu-e of Dr. Carmichael's, southward, is the 
Presbyterian church building — a handsome improvei>ient 
with a Hue tower and a basement stor}' for lectures and Sab- 
bath school. Like the Methodist Episcopal meeting house, 
this building is entirely out of debt. 

A large school edifice in course of erection in the south- 
eastern part of the town, forms a conspicuous object. This, 
is a two-story brick building, with a high basement, making 
it equal to one of three stories. The dimensions are a Hi lie 
over seventy-eight by fifty-three feet, besides wings for stair- 
ways and cloak rooms, which run up the entire height oi the 
main building. 

The two lower floors contain each lour rooms, twenty five 
by thirty-two feet, with ceilings ot ten and fourteen feet re- 
spectively, besides the wings, which contain each two stair- 
wa3''s and cloak rooms. 

The third story is a hall measuring seventy-six feet two 
inches, by fift^^-one feet one inch, with a ceiling of twenty 
feet, and is designed for public lectures and concerts, as well 
as lor school purposes, until a public hall is erected. 

In the construction of this building, special attention has 
been given to heating and ventilation. Cold air flues run up 
the main walls, and other flues conduct the heat from a fur- 
nace in the cellar tb registers throughout the building, thus 
placing the regulation of the temperature under the control 
of the teachers. 

The building was designed by architect Ilannaford of the 
city, and its construction is under the superintendence of 
Mr. Crooks of the town. With the land, this improvement 
will cost the town and towuijhip about $25,000. 

The Methodist meeting house is another good improvement 



Su?)U7'ba?i JTomes, 123 

a substantial and commodious frame building, built iu ISTO, 
at a cost of $3,4:00. 

At the south end of the towu is the residence of Alexan- 
der Toild, ail imposing gothic frame building, with double 
verandas, bay windows and ornate gables. This is a house 
01* thirteen rooms, and stands on an area of an acre of ground 

Mr. Todd has recently come into possession of this home, 
and Ins commenced the various kinds of business to which 
his n;nne is attached in the list of business and industries. 

On the higher ground, above Mr. Todd's residence, is the 
handsome cottage of Daniel Clark, agent of the M. & 
Kuih'oad. Mr. Clark's home is approached by a rustic bridge, 
one ^\v\ of which rests on the Millord road. The grounds 
are neatly laid out, and in the rear of the house is a fine con- 
servatory. 

Directly opposite the bridge to this house, is the residence 
of Miles Johnston, attorney-at-law, in Cincinnati, and formerly 
of Branch Hill. 

A walk of about a mile, took us to the beautiful place ot 
Thomas Paxton, grandson of one of the first settlers of the 
same name. Thomas Paxton senior, came to this part of the 
country, as stated elsewhere, in 1794. His son, Samuel Pax- 
ton, father of Mr. Thomas Paxton, made several trips to New 
Orleans, sometimes bringing back his flatboat at great risk 
and expense. On one of these return trips, he realized $7,000 
on his freight. This was before the days of steamboats. 

vSometimes Mr. Paxton made his return trips on foot across 
the country and through the wilderness, at the great risk of 
life and property. 

Mr. Paxton's place consists of a pretty frame building of 
some ten rooms, entered by a portico, and is at the end of a 
fine lawn, filled with an endless variety of shade trees and 
shrubbery ; an orchard of twenty-five acres, mostly of pears, 
an acre and a half of garden, and the balance of seventy- 
eight acres, a farm. 

Attached to Mr. Paxton's garden is a fine green house, 
forty feet in length, and though the season was well ad- 
vanced, this was pretty full of just such flowers as are being 



124 Stebu7'ba?i Ilotnes, 

trail si)lanted to the open ground. Varieties of heliatrope, 
geranium, fuschia, etc., with hanging baskets ol mosses, 
trailing plants, etc., etc. Mr. Paxton being a gentleman 
of means, erected the house for the pleasure of himself 
and lad}^ Now his culture of rare and delicate plants is so 
extensive and successful, that he can ahnost supply his neigh- 
borhood. 

Devoted to the study of agriculture and horticulture, Mr. 
Paxton keeps up with the improvements ot the day, and is 
prepared to cultivate new varieties of almost any species of 
plant or flower, that may be in demand. 

CHURCHES. 

There are in Loveland three religious societies, represented 
by buildings, and one, (the Christian) without a building. 
These are Presbyterian, Methodist and Catholic. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Was organized at the instance of Matthew Ferguson, a ruling 
elder in. a Ross county church, who upon his removal to 
Loveland, where there was no church, made application to 
the Cincinnati Presbytery, at a stated meeting in 18)4, when 
a committee was appointed to organize one on the 4:th of 
May, 1854. The result was a church, named the Loveland 
Presbyterian Church, with six members, and the election of 
Mr. Ferguson as ruling elder. 

The membership is now ninety-five, the pastor's name Rev. 
H. A. Rossitor, the ruling elders. Dr. John S. Law, R. D. Kin- 
ney, Dr. W. A. Carmichael, James Turner, E. Fallis and Miles 
Johnston. Trustees: G. H. Lounsbery, John E. Thompson, 
Alexander Robb, A. Allen, William Hall and Miles Johnston. 

Church services, Sabbath morning and evening. Congre- 
gation prayer meeting, Wednesday evening. Female prayer 
meeting, Thursday afternoon. 

THE SABBATH SCHOOL 

Is held at 9:30 A. m. Number of scholars, 1G5. Superintend- 
ent, G. H. Lounsbery. Library, 480 volumes. 



Sudii7'dan ITomes» 1-5 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

Was organized in the summer of 1866, prior to which time, 
and for a period of filty years, the place had been a preach- 
ing station. 

The membership of the church is seventy, the congrega- 
tion about 150. 

The officers are Rev. H. C. Middleton, pastor; Gen. T. T 
Heath, recording steward, and Daniel Cox and A. B. Brock, 
stewards. Trustees — Gen. T. T. Heath, John Fogleman, H. 
C. Rogers, Col. Wm. Ramsey, Aaron Apgar. 

The presiding elder is Rev. Dr. Chalfant. 

THE SABBATH SCHOOL 

Meets at 9 o'clock. Superintendent, Gen. T. T. Heath ; As- 
sistant Superintendent, Mrs. Williamson; Secretary, A. B, 
Brock; Treasurer and Librarian, Benj. Shorten. The library 
contains about 300 volumes. Average attendance forty 
scholars and six teachers. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 

Building stands near to the new school house. Service is 
held here every two weeks, by Rev. Mr. Roach, who has a 
church at Milford. The congregation numbers forty; the 
trustees are John Habney, Stephen Roach, Tim Flinn. 

SCHOOLS. " 

The public school ot the town numbers 112 scholars ; the 
teachers are H. C. Clinton, principal ; Miss Helen Williams, 
assistant. 

THE FAIRVIEW YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE, 

Under the management of Mrs. Smith, is yet in its infancy. 
The course of study of this institution is designed to be lib- 
eral, including music, the fine arts and polite literature. The 
building has been noticed in another plac \ 

TEMPERANCE LEAGUE. 

The officers of this league: President, Mrs. H. A. Rossitor; 
Vice-President, Mrs. R. D. Kinney; Secretary, Mrs. L. A. 
Hine ; Chorister, Mrs. John Thompson. The league num- 
bers seventy-five members. Meets on Tuesday and Friday 
evenings, and has obtained 200 names to its pledge. 



126 Subu7'ba7i ITomes, 

LOVELAND AGRICULTURAL AND HOSTICULTURAL SOCTETY. 

This society has been in existence over seventeen years, 
and is probably the most flourishing in the vicinity of Cin- 
cinnati. The officers for the current year are W. C. Pinkliam, 
President; M. B. Palmer, Vice-President; Daniel Shield, 
Treasurer; Samuel R Bricking, Secretary, and Thomas Pax- 
ton, Librarian. The number of volumes in the librar^^ is 200. 

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 

Loveland supports only one benevolent society, and that is 
the masonic, known as Emery Lodge, No. 258. The officers 
are Aaron Apgar, W. M. ; H. L. Wheeler, S. W.; J. A. Was- 
son, J. VY. ; Geo. M. Dyers, S. D. ; Daniel Clark, Secretary ; 
Marshall Girten, Treasurer. 

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES. 

General Store— Thompson & Taylor. Groceries — Hill & Bro., C Bow- 
man. Groceries, Dry Goods, etc. — John Fogleman. Dry Goods, Clothing, 
etc.— M. Kaplan. Drugs, Paints, etc. — J. J. Shuesler. Bakery— Rowan 
& Bro. Meat Stores — J. M. & A. Ramsey, Rowan & Bro. Tinware and 
Stoves — Joseph Ruhr. Coal Yard — Alexander Todd. Livery Stable and 
Undertaking — Alexander Todd. Lumber Yard, Building Material, etc. — 
A. B. Brock. Planing Mill — A. B. Brock. Restaurant— Edward Hall. 
Riverside Hotel — G. W. Thompson. National Hotel, the property of General 

Heath. American House Stump. Family Boarding House — Mrs. 

Smith. Valley House — J. M. & A. Ramsey. Shoemakers — Henry Riff & 
Brooks. Harness, etc— Andy Lotz. Fruit and Flower Gardener — Thomas 
Paxton. Blacksmiths — A. H\ll, M. Reading, Jake Skillman. Barber — 
"W. Taylor. Wagon and Plough Maker — J. Black Builders — H. Crooks, 
A. B. Brock. Carpenters— H. Crooks, H. L. Wheeler, Thomas Crigger, 
John Sbavers, James Hewitt, Phillip Brehme, C. Spaeth, J. Smith. Stone- 
masons — George Sears, Thcvias Flinn. Plasterer — Benjamin Craig. 
Painter, Paper Hf>nger, etc — Peter Drake Fairview Young Ladies' In- 
stitute — Mrs. J. Smith. Professions — Physicians and Surgeons — Drs. W. A. 
Carmichael and T. W. Bishop. Attorneys-at-law— General T. T. Heath 
and Miles Johnston. Dentist — H. R. Smith. Justice of the Peace — T. 
SiMryNTOM. Editors— J. H. Barrett and L. A. Hine. Teachers — Mrs Smith, 
H. Clinton and Miss Helen Williams. 

building material. 

Framing lumber, $21 ; flooring, $30 to $53 ; siding, $19 to 
$25; ceiling, $30; shingles, $3.75 to $1.75; stone, per perch, 
$1.50 delivered ; brick, per thousand, $8.00 ; sand, per wagon 
load, fifteen cents and hauling. Bricklayers, $4:.00 per day ; 



Sudurdan Homes, 127 

stonemasons, $3.00 to $3.50 per day. Masonry, per perch, in- 
cluding stone, $3.00 to $3.50. Tinners' work, plumbing, 
painting, etc. at city prices. 

Good frame houses of five rooms, can be built for $1,200 
to $1,500. 

Mr. Crooks, the builder of Riverside Hotel, completed that 
house of twenty-one rooms in forty-two days. 

FREIGHT, FARE, ETC., 

The freight per car of 20,000 pounds from the city, is $16. 
Commutation tickets per month, $6. 

The elevation of Loveland above low water at Cinciiinatij 
is 151 feet. 

HISTOBT, ANNALS, ETC. 

The first settlers in this vicinity were Col. Thomas Paxton, 
and his three sons-in-laAV, Messrs. Todd, Smith and Ramsey. 

The Colonel was commander of the advance 1 guard of 
Wayne's army on its march through this territory, and was 
so pleased with the country that he returned the following 
season, 1794, with his entire family, and settled liere. His 
was the first house built between the Little Miami and the 
Scioto rivers, and he was the first white man who raised a 
field of corn in this locality. 

Colonel John Ramsey, father of Colonel William Ramsey, 
settled within a mile of Loveland, some time afterw.u-d. 

In 1806, a number of emigrants arrived from New Jersey, 
under very inauspicious circumstances, for that was the year 
of the great drought. From the 4th of May till tlie 22nd of 
Augusf, no rain fell to moisten the ground. So low was the 
river that it was readily forded at Three Islands opposite the 
Obannon. 1806 was also the year of the great eclipse which 
then Avas the occasion of more alarm than would be caused by 
a visitation of Asiatic cholera at the present time. During 
the darkest moments of the eclipse, objects in the school- 
room of the place were invisible. 

About this time the settlers and families numbered seven- 
teen, including Thomas Paxton, Colonel John Rim^ey, Silas 
and Joseph Hutchinson, Owen Todd, Adam and Theophiius 



128 Subiirbafi Homes, 



Simonton, Phillip Hale, Simon Gillespie, Kedrnond McDon- 
ougl), James Smith, William Douells, Daniel Ertels, John 
Sears and others. 

The first school house was a log building, with a large fire 
place at one end, that in winter, consumed great quantities 
of wood, 3^et barely saved the inmates from being frozen. 
Much of the time of the scholars was spent in providing fuel. 
The windows consisted ot greased paper. 

Books were so scarce and dear that "paddles" were used 
for text books, from which to learn the lessons. 

The first house built on the present site of Loveland, was 
erected in 1813, by Patrick McGarve^^, a deserter from the 
British arm}^ and the first brick house was afterward erected 
l)y Lawrin DeFolger. 

Samuel Butterworth, in 1823, settled upon the farm now 
occupied by the town, and sold it in 1817 to Colonel AYilliam 
Ramsey, for $7,300. The extent of the farm was 180 acres. 
In 1818 I he Colonel laid out the town, and in 1819 made die 
first sale of lots. Shortly afterward he built sixteen houses, 
and for his residence, the building now occupied \)f the 
Young Ladies' Institute. 

The Little Miami Raih-oad was finished in the fall of 1811, 
very much against the wislies of the people, as many of them 
earned their living as teamsters. 

In the early history of this localit.y, witchcraft was a popu- 
lar delusion. Cows it was said, would die very suddenly and 
mysteriously, and mysteriously be restored to lii'e again 
by the Avitcli doctor, who alter performing certain incanta- 
tions, would rub the hide of the animal with a silver dollar, 
till he came to a protuberance under the skin, which was un- 
derstood to be the elf shot. This extracted, the animal would 
immediately recover. 

Often indispensable articles of furniture or implements of 
war or of the chase would get bewitched, so that they would 
fail to be of any service. Such was sometimes the case with 
the rifle, and IMr. Paxton was not exempt from the trouble. 
At such times his rifle would lor days fail to bring down 
sufficient game for the Aimily, so provoked and alarmed he 



Suburb all Jlornes, 129 



would send a messenger for the doctor. Should that useful 
member of the Commonwealth fail to answer the call forth- 
with, a swift messenger lalen with a fearful oath and a worse 
threat, to be executed by bewitched weapons would promptly 
bring him to time. 

Furnished with a bottle of whisky from the Paxton cellar, 
doctor and hunter would x>i'Oceed to the woods where incan- 
tations and good whisky would perform the miraculous cure, 
and break the witches spell. 



THE PRICE OF REAL ESTATE 



In Loveland and vicinity, has a wide range. Desirable town 
lots run up to $50 a foot, while some can be had for $5. On 
choice knolls around the village, the price per acre ranges 
from $300 to $500. About a mile out it is $100. 



COMMUTORS. 



Dr. J. S. Law, G. H. Lounsbery, John Hanna, Wm. Hanna, 
O. B.. Jones, Geo. Ramsey, Robert Marsh, R. B. Marsh, Mrs. 
R. B. Marsh, John H. Law, Benj. B. Law, G. W. Law, Mrs. 
J. S. Law, Miss Sallie Law, Mrs. W. F. Law, J. W. Lockwood, 

D. H. Lockwood, J. C. Hollingsworth, A. W. Robb, W. D. 
Morgan, M. Ferguson, Miss Gould, W. F. Gushing, E. P. 
Goodnough, Miss Katy Hall, J. Fogelman, Mrs. Judge Hall, 
Mrs. E. L. Merriman, J. Fisher, Mrs. John H. Law, Miss Laura 

E. Law, Mrs. S. M. Overaker, Miss Lucy A. James. 
The following hold Loveland tickets : 

John K. Green and Dr. D. B. Myers, Montgomery ; Lloyd 
P. Baen, Symmes; John Rule, Branch Hill; Mary L. Ho«. 
brook, Madeira: Colonel Bond, Madeira; D. S. Hosbrook, 
Madeira ; W. H. Fry, Allandale. 

Monthly tickets, $6. 

In addition to these commuters, there are many who ride 
on the Little Miami road. 



The Science of Real Estate Business. 



That the rapid growth of the city of Chicago before and 
since the great fire, has been largely owing to the unlimited 
amount of its eligible building property, has already been in- 
timated, and who that has recently visited the city or watched 
the development of its real estate business, will question the 
truth of the assertion ? 

More money has been realized from operations in real 
estate, than in any branch of trade, commerce or manufac- 
tures. Nor does the business in the least flag. On the 
contrary, it seems more active than ever ; only the scene of 
operations has changed. The suburbs rather than the city, 
are the objects of speculation. In proof of this we may 
state that the sales of land in Cook county, for the year end- 
ing October 9, 1873, numbered 15,978, aggregating ^82,- 
943,359. 

This increased demand for suburban property is easily ac- 
counted for The fragile and combustable balloon Iraraes 
that so unexpectedly and disastrously took flight on that 
eventful occasion — the great fire — lost the confidence of the 
people. After the conflagration, brick buildings began to 
succeed and supersede frame structures, and an ordinance 
made it a penal oflense to erect frame structures within cer- 
tain limits. This had the effect of inducing settlement im- 
mediately outside of the fire limits, where cheap improve- 
ments could be made on cheaper property. Those who were 
able to put up a higher grade of improvement, and could find 
time to travel farther to and from business, went out beyond 
130 



SiibiC7'ba7i JIo?nes, 131 

the limits of the city, and either projected new suburbs or 
settled on those already opened. There they found the frame 
structure not only as desirable as one of brick, but in several 
respects preferable to it. The frame is more susceptible of 
ornamentation, costs less money, and because of its isolation 
on a large lot \\\ the suburbs, is more exempt from accidents 
by fire, than the more solid brick structure in the city block. 
Another inducement to settle in the suburbs, was the tact 
that property purchased in the new settlement, was an invest- 
ment that would pay perhaps better than if made in a man's 
legitimate business. His own improvement increases the 
value of the property around him, and favorably affects itself, 
while his family is an acquisition to the settlement by increas- 
ing the population, and aiding the various instrumentalities 
that make life in the country desirable. In no city in the 
Union are these facts better known than in Chicago, and no- 
where else do the people profit more by their knowledge. 
Says the author of Chicago and its Suburhs : " Indeed the 
feature of the Chicago market for the past two years, has 
been the suburban trade, in which many Ibrtunes have been 
made." "The fact is, that ninety-nine of every hundred, will 
go an hours' ride into the country or toward the country 
rather than live under or over another famil,y, as the average 
New Yorker or Parisian does ; and this tendency will be in- 
creased in future years rather than diminished." 

OTHER INDUCEMENTS, 

There are still other inducements held out to citizens of 
the city to occupy the suburbs, and one of them is the open- 
ing of public parks in various directions. Chicagoans are a 
social people, and would hardly consent to isolate themselves 
from society, even for cheaper and better homes, so parks are 
encouraged, because they not only reach out to the suburbs, 
but some ot them are in the suburbs. 

The writer above quoted, states that notwithstanding the 
fact that the managers of some of the parks have not been 
able to construct good driveways, "the South and West 
parks have been for five years the principal stimulus to land 



132 S/e?j?frban JTmnes, 

speculation and investment, and the key to the situation of 
the Chicago real estate market." 

Again, the projector of the new suburb sees that he has 
the means of transit to his colony, or he secures that means 
even at the expense of building a railroad, as has been done 
in some instances. Then he lays out the grounds in streets, 
avenues and lots, grades his streets and plants his shade trees. 
Then, perhaps, he builds a hotel which soon pays its own 
way, and erects a dwelling for himself. After partial settle- 
ment, if the place does not grow fast enough, he may add to 
it a school house or a church, and with these, perhaps, a few 
houses, which are sold on terms to suit the class of purchas- 
ers he wants. 

An extensive operator a few years ago erected out on the 
prairie, a huge building, that attracted much attention, and 
was the occasion of much enquiry and comment. The build- 
ing was designed for a cotton factor}^, but was not erected to 
order, nor did the owner design to run the establishment 
himself. His object was to get a cotton manufacturer from 
Great Britain or the Continent of Europe, and to sell lots to 
the operators or rent them houses, as the mill was several 
miles from the city. How far he has succeeded we have not 
learned, but the circumstance illustrates the enterprise of 
Chicago real estate dealers. 

Another instance of heavy outla}^ for an apparently insig- 
nificant purpose, is the transplanting of shade trees on the 
two sides of a street a mile long. " Not such an expensive 
undertaking," it may be said, but yet it must be admitted 
that it was a gigantic undertaking, when we state that the 
trees averaged sixty feet in height, and to put them there 
cost $26,000. These trees may be seen on Ashland avenue, 
which was laid out and is being finished by S. J. Walker. 

But real estate men do more tfian this in order to insure 
the sale of their property. At South Englewood, for instance, 
the proprietors advertise " Houses luilt according to plans 
and specifications of purchasers^ and sold to them with lots 
on monthly^ Quarterly^ or yearly payments. 

The Blue Island Land and Building Company, wiU furnish 



Suburba7i ITomes, 133 



money ^ in limited amounts^ to parties wishing to lidld 
houses on lots hought of the company^ and will take pay for 
all in fuur anmcal or forty-eight monthly payments^ with 
seven per cent, interest. 

At Auburn, lots are sold on lowg credit to those who will 
build. 

At Mount Forest, no cash payment is asked, of parties 
making good improvements. 

At Kiver Park, property is offered at a reduction of 33J 
per cent., to those who will put up improvements worth 
$2,000 and upwards. 

At Desplaines, nine seven-room cottages and lots are 
offered at $1,000 each— $200 down, the balance in payments 
of $15 a month. But we need not multiply instances. 
Enough has been stated to show that money is being made 
in Chicago property, and that it is not done without enter- 
prise and effort, or offering the most liberal terms. It has 
also been shown that the suburbs of Chicago are being de- 
veloped with surprising rapidity. Already the number of 
suburbs, new and old, amounts to sixty. In other words, the 
city seems to be moving to the country, so that soon Cook 
county will have to be incorporated as one city. 

''But what has been the effect on the city," it may be 
asked. Simply to stimulate trade ; and instead of cheapen- 
ing rents lor tenement houses, to increase them, as any one 
may learn from enquiry. The transfer of those great interests 
to the suburbs — the building of so many houses, has con- 
sumed an immense amount of material, and given employ- 
ment to a vast army of mechanics, who aid in swelling the 
population, and in creating an increasing demand for city 
residences. These workmen can not board in the sulmrbs 
for want of accommodation, so the city grows — yes, grows, 
despite Irequent predictions, or perhaps, our secret wishes. 
Money there, is in free circulation. Men have been accus- 
tomed to venture capital, and having found that it pays, go on 
prospering and to prosper. With the same enterprise capi- 
talists and real estate owners w^ould find that there are more 



134 Subu)'ba?i Homes, 

FORTUNES TO BE MADE IN CINCINNATI real estate, than ill Chi- 
cag-o, St. Louis, or anywhere else. 

It has been shown {h;it it is population that chiefly enhances 
the value of property — an element in which Cincinnati, for 
her territory, is perhaps the richoBt in the world. Sparsely 
settled, as it is, Chicago would seem not to need suburbs; but 
Cincinnati, crowded to excess — Cincinnati, with many oi its 
houses containing half a dozen families each, its streets 
closely built with great solid blocks ot brick structures, and 
overflowing with population. ''Over the Rhine," are thou- 
sands of families, and tens of thousands of people who would 
gladly accept some or the ofTers extended by Chicago real 
estate men. Families that are paying exhorbitant rents for 
close, dark, ill-ventilated, unhealthy rooms. Places that drive 
the men to the finely i'urnished drinking saloon, and that 
have more to do with drunkenness and crime, than temper- 
ance people have thought of. 

Here is wealth to the real estate operator, and to the phi- 
lanthropist, if he will engage in tJie enterprise. Let these 
people have an opportunity to live in the pure atmosphere 
oi the country, and enjoy the luxury of a whole house in- 
stead of a room or two, and you will do more for the cause 
of temperance among them, than aU the temperance organi- 
zations extant. Let our philanthropists build houses of three 
to five rooms, that they can rent or sell at ^10 or $20 a 
month, and they will remove this indispensable class of citi- 
zens from temptation, and the influence of corrupt and cor- 
rupting pohticians and their tools, the saloon keepers, and 
teach them habits of thrift and economy. The trains are 
now prepared to convey them at reasonable hours and fares, 
and if they were not, we think we can say for the Marietta & 
Cincinnati Railroad, that they will meet halfway, any enter- 
prise that would have for its object the welfare of the city 
and development of the suburbs. 

Besides this very large class of population, there are thou- 
sands of citizens who would be glad to move to the suburbs 
if they were sure of accommodation. On the Marietta & Cin 
cinnati road there are no houses for rent, and no inducements 



Suburban Ifomes, 135 



are held out for people to settle. Few could pay for lot and 
building- without credit, and to borrow money on such pro- 
perty, would in Cincinnati, be impossible. In the city so 
often referred to, money can be borrowed on improvements, 
at seven per cent ; in Cincinnati no one will take the risk at 
any rate, and yet, while we write, the coffers oi the banks 
are overflowing with unemployed currency. 

PAYING SPECULATIONS. 

That business men are interested in the development of 
the suburbs of Cincinnati, we need not stop to prove. It is 
well known, as already intimated, that high rents and limited 
accommodations have had their influence in making skilled 
labor scarce and unreliable, and thus operated against the 
welfare of the city. 

To make rents cheap, it is only necessary to occupy the 
abundance of eligible building property in the suburbs and 
environs that is waiting for settlement. Within a distance 
of twenty-four miles of the Marietta & Cincinnati depot, 
there are many thousands of acres of high and healthy land 
that it does not pay to cultivate, and would pay heavy divi- 
dends to settle with suburban towns. Four accommodation 
trains now run daily between Loveland and Cincinnati, at 
hours to suit most classes, as may be seen by reference to 
the local time table. One train arrives at three minutes 
alter seven, city time, and leaves at six-twenty, Columbus 
time. Another arrives at seven fifty-three, city time, and 
leaves at five-ten, Columbus time, and the fare between Love- 
land and the city, is only $6 a month. 

Business and professional men, clerks and mechanics, can 
thus live at a distance of twenty-four miles, and attend to 
their various vocations. But they need not travel twenty- 
four miles, either to find cheap homes or healthy locations. 
Most of the line of the Marietta & Cincinnati road is known 
to be high and salubrious, and property is cheaper at the 
same distances from the city, than on any other road. 

To open up a new suburb, or add to one already open, let 
us suggest* 



136 Suburban jETomes, 

PLAN I. 

Let a builder or a company purchase a tract of 100 acres 
of land, at $200 an acre, reserve five acres ior a park and a 
site for a town hall, lay out the balance in lots of four to the 
acre, which Avill give a frontage of sixty with a depth of 130 
feet, streets and alleys deducted. On fifty of these lots let 
houses of five rooms be built, which can be done at a cost 
of $1,500. 

These houses would sell rapidly on ten years' time, at 
$1,800 each, in monthly payments of $15, and there would 
be 330 lots left; and that too in a town of 250 inhabitauts, 
where the property would be worth from %Z to $5 per front 
foot. Sell 100 of these lots on five years' time, (which will 
average two and a half years) at $5 per front foot, and we 
have 100x60x5=^30,000; and 230 lots, in a village whose 
population may now be estimated at 800, and where property 
would be valued at |10 per frout foot. 23 lots of sixty feet 
at $10=:$138,000. 

• SALES. 

50 houses, @ $1,800 each . $90,000 

100 lots, 6,000 feet, @ $5 per front foot 30,000 

230 lots @ $10 per front foot 138,000 

$258,000 

COST AND EXPENSES. 

100 acres % $200 $20,000 

Surveying, plattmg and agency 3,000 

Grading and macadamizing 5,000 

Town Hall 7,000 

50 houses @ $1,500 75,000 110,000 

$148,000 

Over \ZZ per cent, on an inmstment,, in a speculation that 
can he completed within five years. And a company with a 
larger capital, that could afford to sell more houses on long 
time, would realize still greater returns. There are thousands 
of citizens who would purchase houses of seven to ten rooms 
il they could do so on monthly payments of $30 to $75 
without interest. Others would be g'ad to pay a few hun- 
dred dollars cash down, and the balance in five years ; but 



Suburban Somes, 137 

most will require liberal terms, because the expensive living 
of the city, prevents families from accumulating spare means. 
Houses and lots sold at auction on ten years' time, would at 
the present time command fabulous prices, and ten years on 
monthly payments, is only 2ifive years' average credit. 

It will be readily admitted that property increases in value 
in the ratio of population and the cost of improvements. To 
the owner of land in the environs, population is money, and 
in many cases it would pay him well to donate twenty or 
thirty acres to a building society, that would immediately 
put up improvements. Hence, one of the first objects of 
the land speculator should be to plant a colony either by 
oiFering a bonus, or what is much better in Cincinnati — to 
put up improvements on part of the property, and sell on 
liberal terms. Give such a colony reliable and cheap means 
of transit and a suitable locality, and it will take care of it- 
self, because every member of it becomes an advertising 
medium. It is astonishing what momentum the growth of a 
town suitably located will acquire. Nothing would seem to 
check it. Some conception of it may be formed by referring 
to the history cf Madisonville. Property that was purchased 
a iew years ago at hundreds per acre, is now worth as many 
thousands. Several pieces that changed hands in Spring, 
could not now be had for less than twice the amount paid. 

Madisonville also illustrates the advantages of convenient 
means of transit. For several years she has enjoyed the 
privilege of a "late and early train," the Madisonville Ac- 
commodation, which enabled men of all classes to attend to 
their various vocations. 

Now that Loveland and all intermediate stations are accom- 
modated with a late and early train as well as Madisonville, 
nearly all classes of citizens can live in the suburbs, at any 
place along the line that offers the greatest advantages. 
Business and prof essional men are specially interested in the 
running of this extra train, and (or them we will suggest 

PLAN II. 

To lay out a suburb for this class of citizens, a little atten- 
tion to esthetic taste, as well as comtort and convenience will 



138 Subu7'ban Somes. 

pay the projector. These people are not so solicitous for 
fields ot grain, gardens of cabbage, or to i)ossess cow pens or 
horse stables, which would occupy too much time and are 
entirely too expensive. A little garden patch for vegetables, 
or space for a parterre would perhaps not be objectionable. 
But while they care little for farm land, they like to see broad 
acres of green lawn, with drives and gravel walks, shrubs and 
flowers. For the culture of music and literature, they would 
appreciate a public building or a concert hall. A park for a 
stroll with a lady friend would be desirable, and a play ground 
\\\ the park for old and young, would not be out of place, nor 
would a skating rink, especially when one can be had tor the 
selecting. One of the great drawbacks to a country or su- 
burban residence, is the absence of places of resort for old 
and young. Heads of lamilies who have outlived amuse- 
ments too often provide for their own conveiuences and 
tastes in these respects, and thus exclude their grown-up 
sons and daughters from necessary recreation. Let the pro- 
jector of a suburb study these wants, and adapt his grounds 
accordingly. 

As to a park, the whole settlement, might, and perhaps 
ought to be a park, with its curving lines of avenues and un- 
fenced lawns ; its shade and ornamental trees, its shrubs and 
flowers. It would not be necessary to lay out and comi)lete 
the whole of a tract at one time. Provision might be made 
to plant and finish for some fifty houses at irregular intervals, 
and as these would be sold, a part of the money might be 
applied to general improvements, and be a splendid paying 
investment. 

We have said nothing about church accommodation. In 
locating the suburb, already established churches and schools 
could be secured. There are towns that might be reached 
by the settlement, that have schools, churches, and the addi- 
tional advantages of stores, and shops, and workmen. Land 
in such a location can be purchased at an average of |150 an 
acre — land that abounds with building material, clay for 
brick, stone, sand, and timber, to a limited extent. Brick can 
be manufactured on the spot, at nearly half the usual price. 



Stiburba7i IIo77ies, 139 

Stone can be qnarried cheaply, and some can be had in the 
creeks and river banks. 



300 acres, @ $150- $45,000 

Surveying and platting 1,000 

Grading, etc., of avenues and lawn?? 10,000 

Shade and ornamental trees 1,000 

Park improvements 2,000 

Public hall 10,000 

Fifty seven-room houses, $2,500 each 125,000 

$194,000 

Sold on ten years' time, these houses and lots would bring 
at auction, |i,000 to $5,000. 

The level portion of a tract of 300 acres, might be Jaid 
out in half acre lots, including avenues, and the bal- 
ance in lots of one acre. This would give say, 426 lots. From 
these take the fifty lots supposed to be improved, and we 
have 376 lots in a suburb as large as Oakley, where property 
in the settlement sells for $10 to $25 a front foot. 

Let $10,000 more be laid out in improving and embellish- 
ing these 376 lots, Avould it be too much to expect them to 
command $750 each? We think they would bring much 
higher figures at auction, especiall}^ if care and taste were 
exercised in the construction of the houses first built. 
276x750=$282,000, to which add $200,000, the cost of fifty 
houses and lots at $4,000, and we have $482,0.00, which may 
be realized in an average period of five years. 

The capitalist can make this a paying investment, and a 
joint stock company could probably do it more successfully, 
as each member would be an operator in soliciting settlers. 

PLAN III. — CO-OPERATION. 

We have now only to suggest that this same object can be 
carried out by a building association, the members of which 
would reap the benefits otherwise accruing to the capitalist. 
The following are some of the advantages of such an asso- 
ciation : 



140 Siibti7'ba}i Homes, 

1. Containing the chief element that makes up a suburb, 
it can locate where land and building material are cheap. 

2. By manufacturing its own building material, it can 
effect a saving of thirty to fifty per cent. 

3. Extensive pleasure grounds can be secured at a mini- 
mum expense, and concert hall, kitchen garden, laundry, 
bakery, and stable, can be owned in common. 

4. Building can be done at a minimum expense, by em- 
ploying a superintending architect, instead of letting out by 
contract. 

5. Should the society consider it inexpedient to build, 
members can purchase their material on a liberal credit. 

6. All members will share alike in the gains. Those who 
purchase malerial will pay high prices, but be relieved of 
paying rent, while the profits from sales will accrue to stock- 
holders. 

7. Every member will be a center of influence in favor of 
the association, and the more settlers the higher the prices 
of land and material. In this way the association will be 

8. A great saving's bank that will pay compound interest 
every six months, because 

9. Land that was purchased at hundreds per acre, will in a 
year or two be worth more than as many thousands. 

PARK PLACE ASSOCIATION. 

This is an organization that is designed to secure to mem- 
bers all the advantages enumerated in the foregoing article. 
Its nominal capital is $416,000, divided into bOO shares of 
$520 each, payable at the rate of $1 per share, per week, and 
it purposes 

1st. To purchase on as long time as possible, 200 acres of 
land that is rich in building material, and fine scenery, and is 
high and healthy, and located near to a station and a settled 
village. 



Suburban JTojnes. 141 

2nd. After reserving ten acres for park, rink, kitchen gar- 
den, etc., to lay out the ground in acre and half acre lots, 
according to the topography of the locality, and construct 
drives and a central road or avenue. 

3d. To commence the manufacture of brick, lime and lum- 
ber, to a limited extent, and to improve the grounds. 

4th. To sell to the highest bidders among the stockholders, 
lots ot land, giving deeds on the payment of the original cost, 
and taking mortgages for unpaid balances, to be paid in 
weekly installments. 

5th. To build houses, and sell in the same way, if pre- 
ferable. 

THE INCORPORATORS ARE 

A. C. Nash, J. W. Pillsbury, P. L. Meredith, George Crist 
and Richard Nelson. 



142 



Subu7'ban ^omes. 



THE MARIETTA & CINCINNATI RAILROAD. 

IT9 ADVANTAGES. 

Its Central Depot. Located on the west side of Plum, between Second 
and Third streets. This depot occupies the center of business. 

Ten Daily Trains, as will be seen by the time table, run between the city 
and Loveland. 

Its Double Track has been completed to Norwood, and the work is going 
forward beyond that point. When finished to Loveland the rate of speed can 
be increased, and additional trains be put into requisition. 

Regularity of Trains. The regularity of trains is already assured. 
Seldom is a local train behind time. 

Luxurious Cars. The spacious well-cushioned cars, are among the attrac- 
tions on the Marietta & Cincinnati road. 

Its Accommodating Conductors are not excelled in attention to the comfort 
of their passe igers and for courtesy to strangers. Packages, baskets, etc., are 
allowed to be carried with impunity, and without charge. 

Its Mail Train Stops at Every Station, and delivers the morning papers 
all along the line, so that 

Passengers can Read the Papers before they leave the cars. 

The Scenery of the Marietta & Cincinnati road, is unsurijassed about Cin- 
cinnati, and the track makes 

A llisiNO Grade till it reaches the table land at Madeira. 

Its Cheap Fares, only $S a month to Loveland, twenty-four miles distant. 

marietta & CINCINNATI RAILROAD. LOCAL TIME TABLE. 

May 10, 1874. 



Leaves Cincinnati. 



Arrives at Cincinnati. 



Ooz'd 
Ace 


Lov'd 
Ace. 


Lov'd i Hills. 
Ace. j Ace. 


Mail. 


STATIONS. 


Mail. 


Hills. [Lov'd 
Ace. 1 Ace. 


Lov'd jcoz'd 
Ace. Ace. 


Fast 
Line. 


r. M. 

6 21) 

6 :u 


p. M 

5 10 
5 'A 
."> 2: 
5 3'> 
5 3") 
5 42 
5 47 
5 0-2 

5 Stl 
G ():» 
G 11 

6 21 
6 28 
6 38 


A.M. 

10 00 

10 12 
10 1.5 
10 19 
10 24 
10 29 
10 m 
10 37 
10 41 
H) 45 

10 55 

11 05 
11 11 
11 17 


p. M. 

3 45 

3 57 

4 UO 
4 04 
4 00 
4 14 
4 18 
4 -.'3 


A. M. 

5 50 

6 Hi 
6 05 
6 08 
G 12 
G IG 
6 20 
6 24 


Cincinnati 

Brighton... 

Slock Vards 

CummiuBville 

Spring Grove... 

Ludlow Grove 

Bond Hill 

Norwood 

Oakley 


P M 

8 15 
8 (10 
7 5G 
7 53 
7 47 
7 41 
7 37 
7 33 
7 29 
7 24 
7 13 
7 03 
G 58 
6 53 
6 32 
6 25 
G 16 
6 05 
3 30 

P. 31. 


A. M. A. M. 

9 30 8 00 
9 18 7 4G 


P. M 

3 20 
3 05 
3 02 
2 58 
2 52 
2 48 
2 44 
2 41 
2 37 
2 33 
2 25 
2 14 
2 07 
2 00 


A. M 

7 10 
G 58 
G 55 
G52 
6 47 
G 41 
6 36 
G 32 
6 28 
6 20 
G 10 
5 59 
5 52 
5 45 
5 25 

A. M 

-I 


P M. 

4 60 


6 37 
6 41) 
6 4.-. 


9 15 
9 12 
9 07 
9 03 

8 59 
8 55 
8 51 
8 4G 
8 38 
8 28 
8 23 
8 17 
7 57 
7 50 
7 41 
7 30 
6 20 

A. M. 


7 43 
7 39 
7 33 
7 27 
7 22 
7 18 
7 14 
7 09 
7 01 
6 49 
G 40 
G 30 


4"29' 


6 49 




G r>3 
6 .57 





7 01 


4 28 fi 28 


4 14 


7 05 
7 16 


4 33 
4 4G 

4 5i) 

5 01 
5 (18 
5 31 
5 38 
5 47 
5 58 
7 10 

IP. M. 


6 :i2 
G 41 
G 49 

6 5<-. 

7 04 
7 21 
7 32 
7 41 
7 51 

10 25 

A. M. 


M»idi8onville 

Madfira 


4 10 
4 03 


7 S'i 
7 33 

7 4;{ 

8 05 


Remington 

Svnimeg 

Loveland 

Ciiz-uidalo 

G Jt \V. Fiko 




3 "44" 


P. M. 


Arr.LoTfcla'd 


Lvo. Lovel'd 






■3^ 






UiancheBter 

Hilltiboro 






3 06 
p. M. 



Express Trains leave Cincinnati 9:00 A. m. and 9:30 p. m. 



Advantages of Suburban Life, 



1st. Health and longevity. The towns in the north-eastern 
suburbs are noted for their salubrity. The atmosphere is 
free from malaria, the water pure, and much of the food 
fresh. 

The abundance of sunlight — that great curative agent — the 
agreeable surroundmgs, the pleasant society, the walks and 
drives, the beautiful scenery are all highly conducive to 
health. 

Riding in the luxurious coaches of the Marietta & Cincin- 
nati Railroad, is also conducive to health. It rests the weary 
frame, brings into action the whole viscera, diverts the atten- 
tion from business cares, and affords complete relaxation of 
mind. The coaches are roomy, well ventilated i\\ summer, 
and comfortably heated in winter, contrasting strongly with 
street car accommodation. 

The elevated grounds, the cooling breezes of evening, and 
serenity of country life, soothe to rest and induce sound 
sleep, that great invigorator and recuperator. 

Early retirement results in early rising as a habit, and early 
rising lengthens the worldng day. Hence, the suburban 
resident can reach business at an earlier hour than the city 
denizen, and engage in it with much more vigor and alacrity. 
Contrast the cheerful countenance and clear complexion ol 
the former, with the pallid hue and care-worn look of the 
latter. 

Contributing al ke to happiness and health, is the social in- 
tercourse in the church, benevolent and literary and musical 
143 



i44 Subu7'ban Somes. 

societies. The village concert more than counterbalances 
the fixshionable opera, or gay theater, or grand concert, but 
even these are not denied to the suburban resident, and every 
year they are getting more accessible. 

The care of a limited kitchen or flower garden, aifords de- 
lightful and healthy occupation. 

2nd. Economy in living, is an advantage secured by a su- 
l^iirban residence. One-half the cost of a city residence, on 
a few feet of ground, will give a fine residence and acres of 
land in the country. 

Living is cheaper, clothing is plainer, houses can be less 
expensively furnished, water costs nothing, light less than 
half as much as gas, and fuel quite as low as in the citj^ 
Taxation is lighter, because the assessments are lower. Many 
families cultivate nearly enough food ior their own use. 

3rd. Punctuality and regularity are taught by a residence 
on a railroad line ; and thus men acquire system in conduct- 
ing their business and domestic affairs. 

4th. The pleasures are among the advantages. The w^alks 
and drives, the fishing excursions, the neighboring parties 
and concerts, the rural sports are alike conducive to health, 
happiness and morality, if properly used. 

Let these advantages be placed in the scale with those 
claimed by the city resident, and the balance will be largely 
in favor of the country home and the North-eastern Suburbs. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



145 



J. C. RINGWALT. L. M. RINGWALT. A. R. RINGWALT 



4fc oa. 



DEALERS IN ALL KINDS 



— OP — 



CAEPETINGS 



RESPECTFULLY ANNOUNCE THAT IN THEIR 

New Location, 

PIKE'S OPERA HOUSE, 

THEY ABB PREPARED TO OPrEB A LARQK AND VARIED AS80BTMKKT OFJ 



^^^^^ 



OURTAIN GOODS, STO, 



AT TUB 



Lowest Market Rates 



146 



SUBURBAV HOMES. 




Jhe adjoining cut repre- 
sents TH^ 

mu m yimmmi 

OF 

Ilflll WMTi, 

»,15 and 257 West Fiifli Street, 
CINCINNATI, O. 



In no department of the arts and mnnufactures liaa Cincinnati 
made greater advancement than in funereal monumental architecture. 
Some years a^o the refinement and taste of the people were so far 
in advance of native art that classic monuments, chaste dc-iuns and 
artistic statuary had to be sought in Europe; now, thanks to our 
enterprising citizen, Mr. Alfred White, the choicest marbles and 
most enduring granites may be seen in our city, worked into the 
finest statuary and the greatest variety of taste or designs. Fortu- 
nate in his selection of talent, he has secured the in aluable ser- 
vices of Mr. John Rowe, designer and sculptor, and tho?e of the 
accomplished sketcher and designer, Mr. W. R. MeCoraas. In his 
employ is aho a corps of i-killed woikmen engaged in every depart- 
ment of marble and granite work. 

Besides the ©rders being filled in Cincinnati, Mr. White has con- 
tracts in course of fulfillment io Italy, one of which is a colossal statue 
for T. B. Disney, Esq. But his great specialty is Scotch Granite, of 
wliich he is the most extensive importer and dealer in America. 
Connected with the great shipping house of Alexander Robertson, 
of Aberdeen, hp can furnish monumental or block granite at prices 
under New York rates. 

In the retail line, Mr. White's prices range from $5 to $10,000, 
and parties can be supplied by addressing hiai as above. 



ADVERTISEMENTS, 



U7 




Cindnnaii Tin anil Japan Mmf 

158 WEST FOURTH STREET, COR. OF ELM. 

Maviura«<iirers of AH Kinds of 

Japanned, Stamped & Plain 

mZliiSHE»NMES 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN 

General Housefurnishing Goods. 

All the new, novel and useful Labor Savin^^ Inventions for the 
Kitchen. Tho^^e who coiiteniphite goinjr to housekeeping or refur- 
nishing their houses will do well to <iive us a call or sond* tor our 
-complete housefurnishinir catalogue. We have the largest stock and 
greatest variety in the Western country. Our stock consists in part of 




PLANISHED TIN WARE, ETC., ETC. 

Water Coolers, Bath Tubs, Toilet Chamber Setts, 
Coal Hods and Vases, Fire Setts, 

Cbafing: Dishes. Grocers' Ontfifs, Toa Caddie**. rolTee Cans, Tobacco 

Cutters, Measuring;: Faucets. Bnn;;- Borers, Measures, 

Fniiucis, Scoops, Altc 

JAPANNING & REPAIRING PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 

Mas M\m h-\^lmi d Mais as lies as Isw. 

GOLD, SILVER & NICKEL PLATING DONE TO ORDER. 
All Kinds of Bond, Deed & Bank Boxes Made to Order. 

Gin. Tin & Japan M'f'g Go. 

158 W. Fourth Street, bet. Eace and Elm, 

datalosnes furnisbed ou Application. 



148 SUBURBAN HOMES. 



ICE CREAM. 

This luxury can be supplied to residents in ihe northeastern suburbs 
promptly, regularly, and in any quantity, from one pint up to t-jventy gal= 
Ions. The cream is of the best materials, manufactured rapidly and served 
at wholesale or retail to suit hotels, boarding-houses, families or individ- 
vals. The city man passing the northeast corner of Seventh and Vine can 
take iiis lady into the tasteful saloon and be serv^ed with the delicacy in 
any flavor he may desiie, or he may buy a paper package at irom fifteen to 
fifty cents and take it to his lodgings, or leave his order for a larger quantity, 
which will be sent to his home or wherever b« (ksires. 

Persons living on the railroads can have their packages sent to the depots, 
and empty vessels collected on returning them to the baggage rooms. Mr. 
Gillespie can serve the ice in bulk or mould, safely packed to carry a dis- 
tance of fifty miles. Orders from responsible parties are promptly filled^ 
and churches, schools, and social parties are furnished at reduced rates. 

The addres is, 

GILLESPIE'S STEAM ICE CREAM WORKS, 

Soutb-l^st cor. Viue and Seven tli Streets, 



gillespie's 

New York Dining Room. 

NO. 9 EAST PEARL. STREET. 

This is a neat, convenient and cheap dining room, where one can order a 
bill from five cents up to one dollar It is specially adapted to the wants of 
■len of business who appreciate good food properly cooked and served with 
dispatch. The room has a counter on each side of its full length, behind 
which waiters attend to the wants of their guests who are seated before 
them. In this way many more can be served than where all are seated at 
tables, and the money saved goes to the accouiit of the patrons of the estab- 
lishment. 

The bill of fare shows that meats variously cooked can be had for fifteen 
eents, including potatoes, breai and butter. Coffee, tea or milk is five cents, 
and every thing else in proportion. 

This house employs one of the most experienced cooks in the city, and ita 
pastry as a proof of that, can hardly be excelled. The proprietors are J. 
OILLESPIE and J. C. STRATTON. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



149 




87 WEST SEVENTH STREET, CIiNCINNATI, 0. 

This institution has been in successful operation for six years, and 
enters upon the seventh year on Sept. 7, 1874. Its plun of orpjani- 
zation is that of the celebrated Conserv;itory of Stutpjart, Geniiany, 
•which affords tfee <ireutest faciliii.s and widest ran^e lor the culture 
of music. A Main feature of this plan is its class system, of two to 
four pupils in a class, by which the united efforts of competent teachera 
and the association in tjlasses combine to inspire emuhition and im- 
part confidence and self-reliance. The branches taught are 

Vocal Music, Piano, Organ and Violin 

As well as the Science of Mnsio in General. 

The Vocal Deprtrfment is under the direction of Miss 
Bauu, who will be assisted by competent instructors. 

T^*e Piano />^^>f/r^i/if^r*< will continue under the direction 
of Mr. LI. (ji. Andkes, whose admirable system is in operation in the 
elementary as well as in the advanced classes. Known to the public 
as one of the first pianists in America, and a superior orjranist, Mr. 
Andres has become one of the most popular teachers, and to obtain 
admission to his classes is considered a rare privilege. 

The Theoretical Ueinn'tnieiit will be directed by Cari 
Pallat, as heretofore. 

S®-FREE Al>JI!SSION once a week will begra-^tod toall pnpils of the Consprvatopr 
^oaSulf zz.o aii't Ch.> us class, tu be couducted by JIichakl Bsa.nd, distiuguished as IBe 
Director of itie (Jiuciuiiuti Orchestra. 

Are oneef the leariing featur.8of file incinnati Conservatory. These are desljined to develop 

Uleul aud inspire coi fiience on ihe part of iIih j.iipil, aud gratify the 

p^troQS a'ld frieuds ot the Cuiiservatory. 

FACULTY. 

Miss CLARA BAUR, - - - Directress. 

anstrMmenial Ueparlment, .... U. G. A NDllES, DIrectof. 

.Miss Hattis Evans, Miss Patti Tiiorndick, Mrs. L. Schbobel. 
Theorotieal Mepai-tnieat, - . - - - CARL PALLAT. 

«olfezxio I>ei>art»ne«t. ... - MICHAEL BilAXD. 

V«oil nenarmeu^ j Cultivation of the Voice, Sol.> Sing- » Miss CLARA BAUB. 
voeai JJeparmeu*, | j^g Singiim at Sij^ht, Chi-rnsfs. 3 

Miss Emma Hboki^e, Carl Pallat. 
Juvenile Department, - Miss tiOSA i<01lTMAN, Miss MARTHA SAURB 
Vinliii Depailnieiit, . . . - - 

•ffhe Italian I.Hii;;uage, - . . - 

For farther parliculaia apply at the Oonaervatory or address 

DORA NcLSON, Secretary 



JACOB BLOOM. 
SIGNOUA GIANINA- 



150 



SUBURBAN HOMES. 



JOHN A. STACY, 

PIi«ier & Gas filter, 

167 CENTRAL AVENUE, 

HAS ON HAND 



Force and Lift Pump 



:E-^,»n?:s:o5 :h 



I'spo- 



And docs Plumbing and Gas Fitting: to Order. 

Mr. Sfncy is the inventor of a Hydrant and Hose Plug that 
possesses the following advantages: 

1 It. lins a double thread screw, requiring ^ 
only half the usual movement in opening 
and closing, reducing the friction and im- 
parting strength. 

2. The valve is composed of three leather 
cups that expand as the valve is worn. The 
old style of dink packings soon wear out, 
cruising leakage, while this giows tighter 
with thf pressure as it continues to wear. 

3. At the bottom of the ^tock is a cup 
that receives the waste water, which pre- 
vents freezing, and the water-way is mova- 
ble, easily repaired without moving or dig- 
ging up. 



U\i\ IMimi Pip 

Is another invention of value. In this the 
lower valve can be taken out without de- 
scending into the well or lifting out the 
pump. 

These inventions are worthy of notice, and 
have done much in building up Mr Stacy's 
business. His place should be visited by 
commuter's on the M. & C road who con- 
template building or making improvements. 




ComstccFs M Cultivator, Weeisr £ hi Imj 

Tliese impli in "Hts c()in|irise in siiniilc comliinitl I'l. a W'h 
gf»-(l <(.wer, Wli.-.'l Ciiltiv..t'.r. Wheel i.ak.". W h.-. I S,nm« ri.),-. 
\\ li.<-l Sliuvcl II. .w, W lirelStrawb.'iry Riiiitr iM'utt.r. and 
VVIieel Ver^'c orTmf Cutt'T. Thecliiii.>rf'S (.tea. li Uiii<i 
of work can In-niad^ in ii few miiutes. aril every itii- 
plenieiit of tlie coinliine-l niucliine \vi>rk-< »*< well 
a-sifniade specially f)r tlie jmrpOHe. With 
any of them one nnin can accomplish 
wi h ea.-^eas much as half a dozen mou 
with common tools, and do better 
work, 'I hecon'ldne'd niachint 
with extra nttijchmenta 
complete, sow* all kjuds 




AS A WEEDER. [Both Jmpleiueuts Combined, $9.25.] AS A CULTIVATOR. 

ol ^.,■ds in drill , vN.eds, all kind of drills and pnlv. riz,.8 the Poil, cultivates 

b.twpen row- c.ltivates o„e or b<.th sides of a row at once, opens and 

.verR dnllH, deep or >halIow, ^kinls the surlace and loo»ent< the foil, 

trath.-rH l..o«e wcfd^ into h.aps between rows, riowoand lioes any 

depth required. Throws the earth up to or away from the rows 

Outs strawberry ruuners ami cleans tlie fironnd. Cnts the 

tnrfedpHsof walKs and borders. .<ciapes and cleans walks 

Hiid allHy.^, K,,nr im|>lements comldTi. d. $\S .'15. 

Full instt-uctions for using the implements sent, with everv 
machine. Send f(ir illustrated circular 

AfaDcnltnral Implement.s, Flower, Gar- 
den and Field Seeds. 

140 U'aliiiit St., 

Exclusive Agent:. flMClANATI. 




With Strawberry Cutter, $12.25. 




With Seed Sower Combined, $15.35. 



This beaufifnl Mower is so well 
known tliroii^hout tiie United States 
and Europe, that it requires no recoin- 
niei'da'ion. Theon'v lialanced Lawn 
IMower with an Adjustable II an- 
<lle, whicli can bi' laii-ed or lowered to 
suit ihe height of the pTson n-ing it. 
Itfs chief features are simplicity of con- 
struction, perfectnegs ot nnmufacture, 
1^ ease of operating ea>«y way of sharp- 
'^-~ ening the knives when dull, and its 
adapiing itt-elf to tlopes, undulating 
I WHS, ridges and ralleys. Every 
mower guaranteed. 

Ton Inch Cnt ** Croqnet 
Mower," a lieaulifnl liti Je nia< Jiine, 
easily operated by a boy or flliss of ten 
Vfars l'ri>-e,S20.tiO. 14 iucL cut, stan- 
dard size, $i5.(.)0. 

Pony Mower, 28 inch cat, $100. 
inch cut. 



^ Iforse Mower, 32 

T= S125.00. 



We challenge the world to a trial, 
and to produce its equal. Try it, and 
you Will buy no other 

|-fy^;:''ff'^^- - Send for Illustrated Circu- 



lur.] 



152 SUBURBAN HOMES. 



LOUGHEAD & PORTER, 



MANUFACTURERS OF 



Doors, M, Oulsilo !s kilo ^onslian, Ii?ol li Ml l\M, 

STOI?/E! IDOOI^S, 
DOOR & WINDOW FRAMES, MANTELS, MOLDINGS, 

Newels, Balusters, Brackets, Cornice, Base, Architraves, 
VERANDAS, PORTICOS, STORE FRONTS, 

PaZirLc/Sf Flooring, Csunisrs, Ba.lv.sira.s.ir.s, 

SHELVING, SIDING, FENCING, 

AND DEALERS IN 

Joist, Scautliug, Shingles, Latli, Etc. 
ONCIMNATI, O. 

AUG. F. OSTERROTH, 

CINCINNATI, O. 

Mr. Osterroth has long been known as a fashionable cu'ter and fair dealer, 
who keeps on hand a fair stock of cloths and cassiraeres and gentlemen's 
furnishing goods. His place is north of the canal and only a square from 
the Court House, which circumstance has enabled hira to secure among his 
customers down-town merchants and professional men. 

An examination of his stock and prices is solicited, as he takes pleasure 
in showing his goods, whether it suits the visitor to buy or not. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 153 



ICE BUSINESS 

AT LOVELAND. 

The Little Miami River, which has not been remarkable as an ice field, is 
now to have its character changed in that respect, the Messrs. Rowan Bros, 
having erected an ice house with a cnpacity of 6,000 tons, and provided 
themselves with all the implements necessary to do an extensive business. 
Owning several acres of land near the river and the M. & C. depot, they will 
have the privilege of making a side track to their house, so that by Spring 
they can ship Jo Cincinnati and intermediate points at prices that will 
command au extensive trade. 

Have also a store north of the depot where the public are supplied with fresh 
meats, vegetables, bread, cakes, etc. They manage a bakery and slaughter 
their own cattle and sheep, and can therefore supply customers at city 
prices. 

A I ivery Stable is another of their specialties. Their store will be found 
on the street leading from the New Bridge. 




LOVJSLANE), O. 

UiiMim Tin Wars -t^ssT MiMlmM. 



He sells Coal Hods, the Monitor Cooking Stovo, for Wood or Coal, 
Gratis, Mantels, Farm Bells, and in the store line has got the usual 
improvements, including the Warming Closet, Stove Rock, Shelf, etc. 

He does all kinds ot outside work in Tin, Sheet Iron and Zinc, and takes 
contracts all along the M. & C. road and elsewhere. 

Is one of his specialties. His men may be seen in various parts of the 
country doing as good work as is usually performed by city hands, and 
considering the items of travel and transportation, he is said to be more 
reasonable in his charges. 



154 



SUBURBAN HOMES 



COLD PEITS, 



JOHN HOLLAND, 

No. 19 West Fourtii Street, Cincinnati. 

For comfort, convenience and durability as a writing implement, there is 
nothing to conipaie with wiiat is known as the diamond pointed gold pen. 
It can be made to possess any amount, of flexibility the writer desires, is 
ever pointed, does not corrode, anci can be used a life time, and is conse- 
quently the cheapest pen ezlnnt. But the pen must be genuine gold and 
pointed by an experienced and reliable maker. In no article of jewelry is 
there moie deception piacliced than in the sale of the gold pen; hence we 
sometimes find them offeietl at less than lialf the price of the genuine arti- 
cle. Generally speaking the jewelers' store is not the best place to buy a 
good article. Reputable manufacturers or stationers who supply busiuess 
men are among the most reliable, especially when the buyer does not know the 
best brands Having had some tlnrty years experience in the use of gold 
pens of F'iUrope-in and American manufacture, and employed the best pen- 
men in this country, the writer can unhesitatingly recommend the Tlolland 
Gold Pen as the best in the market. The brand is "John Holland, ' and if 
genuine, any article bearing it may be relied upon. 

Mr. noilHiid manufactures every style of gold pen, gold, silver and gold 
mounied holders and cases, pearl, ivory and ebony holders, gold tooth-picks, 
propelling pencils, Rubber Fountain Holders, that contain enoui^h ink fur forty 
hours' writing icilhout re-fiiling. 

Orders tor any style of pen may be sent with the assurance that they 
will be filled to the satisfaction of the person ordering. 




ea^c 




LOVELAND, 0. 

CEMENT, SEWER PIPE, 

CHIMNEY TOPS, 

WINDOW GLASS, ETC. 

And delivers his lumber at all points by the car load and at vrholesale 
prices. Mr. Brock also deals in 

Builders' Hardware, Manufactures Moldings, Furnishes Scroll Sawing, 

Pinning, Turning, Glazed Sash, Patent Cottage 

Flues, etc., etc. 

Ilis price list compares favorably with Cincinnati rates, in proof of which 

we may state th;ii he ships down the M'. & C. and L. & M. roads near to the 

city, and for many miles in every direction in Clermont and Warren 

counties. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 155 



RALPH C. McCRAGKEN, 

mmim SHIEI mbtiee 

CINCINNATI, O. 



Mr. Mcrracken has long been known by a large proportion of our city 
business men as furnishing the best fitting shirts in the city. His goods 
took the highest premium at the Industrial Exposition o^ 1871 for needle 
work. The award on this opcasion vvas made on fifty shirts that had been 
made for and worn by as many of his customers — some of them for years. 
These were re-laundried and placed on exhibition and proved to be as good 
fitting garments as they were neatly and substantiaHy made. 

Mr. McCracken's shirts are cut after the latest styles of Paris and Berlin, 
and his finest work is hand-stitched and sewed. Opposed to sham, Mi. Mc- 
Crackeu has made it a matter of conscience not to deal in paper collars, 
accordingly his collars are all linen, and the material of all his goods is 
selected on the same principle. Nearly thirty-four years in business at the 
same stand, he is not a novice in his line, nor are his principle? of doing 
business unknown to the pubUc, in proof of which his possession of a hand- 
some competency may be referred to. As early as 1830 he lived on the same 
premises now occupied by his store, and when a boy, attended E. Bacon's 
Model Infant School, held in the Second Presbyterian Church, Of this he 
was a graduate. 

In gentlemen's furnishing goods "S\v. McCracken has a large and varied 
supply, and especially in a new style of seamless half hose, that are the 
most comfortable in the market. 

"Where gentlemen prefer it, they can have their shirt patterns cut to order. 

Mr. McCracken's place is opposite the church with the tall steeple and 
near to the Merchants' Exchange. 



156 SUBURBAN HOMES. 



INSURANCE. 



^QMF^MY^ ^^ Baffjilo, N. Y., was organized in 1867. 
Its assets July 1, 1874, were $500,000.00, mostly in Gov- 
ernment bonds. This company is known to pay its losses 
promptly, and its success is claimed to be unprecedented. 
It should be understood that the Buffalo German Insurance 
Company is not a member of the Board. 

Wm^ fe^F Feme mxB Mabime Im^ 

BWE^MCE €QMF^M¥f> ^f Newport, Ky., is repre- 
sented by the same Cincinnati agent. It was organized in 
18j6. Cash capital, $200,000.00. Assets July 1, 1874, 
$3L0,0o0.00, consisting of Government and City bonds. 
Having the reputation of paying losses promptly, and its 
stockholders bi^ng wealthy and influential business men, 
this is another company whose affairs are in a flourishing 
condition. Like the Buffalo German, this company is not 
a member of the Board. 

The agents for these companies are Geo. H. Neff & 
Co. General Neff was formerly colonel of the 2d Ken- 
tucky Regiment of Infantry, and, it will be remembered, 
was a prisoner in the South for thirteen months during the 
Rebe lion. Geo. W. Nefl*& Co. arc a'so general agents for 
the Clay Company in Onio and Indiana. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 157 



teeiiCilfCiisralCDllifi 

200 6l 202 VINE STREET, CINCINNATI, 0. 
Henry A. Faber, President ; E. H. Langdale, Principal, 

The status of commercial education in Cincinnati at this time seems to 
call for an institution whose teachers ph.»ll be men of business. The 
actual bnsines3 method without such teachers is little better thun the old 
system of copying. Having been associated with Prof. Nelson as principals 
of the cullegp. known by his name, and since been ens;aged in the practice 
of law and in mercantile business the ['resident and Principil of this new 
college hope to establish an institution that will command the respect aud 
confidence of the ptiblic. 

The President will exercise a general surerintendence and keep up th« 
lectures on law and business. This he can do without neglecting his exten- 
sive law practice. The Principal will devote his exclusive time and atten- 
tion to the business drawing upon his many yeajg of experience as book- 
keeper and financier of one of the largest business houses in the West. 

The method of instruction will be a combination of theory and practice 
adnpted to the wants of the day. 

The location of the college is central, and the rooms easy of access, being 
in the building lately occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association. 

Business men unfamiliar with our hi-tory or reputation are respectfully 
referted to Prof. Richard Nelson, founder and late proprietor of Nelson's 
Business College. 




Chimney Tops & Gement 

Mr. J. C. Dexter is the well-known manufacturer of, and dealer in, Cement 
Drain Pipe and Terra Cotta Chimney Tops and Window Caps. His factory- 
is located at 

46 MILL STF.SST, 

Where orders will be received and promptly filled and shipped to any point. 
Mr. Dexter is known to be a reliable dealer and manufacturer, and will 
adapt his mou'ds to suit any kind of improvement in drain pipe. Manu- 
factured of hydraulic cement, his pipe may be said to be indestructible, and 
can be used in places where heavy pressure would destroy pipe of ordinary 
material. His address is, 

4e Mill street, 

CINCINNATI,©. 



158 SUBURBAN HOMES. 




DECKER BROTHERS' 

hi, Upriflil d 

The popular and reliable VALLEY GEM and other Standard Pianos, 
and the celebrated ESTY COTTAGE ORGANS. 

I.jS if. Fotirtfi St.f Cincinuafif O. 

Have constantly on hand a larp;p stock of the above named guperior instru- 
ments ati'l are now enabled to o'fer greater inducements than ever to thoso 
wishing to purchase. Illustrated Catalogue sent to any address on appli- 
cation. 



OCTJLIST AISTD ATTHIST. 

DR. BARKER, 

g-p»P]QY a.TjI^T o" al' JO isoases. {"juries nnri abuses of tlie Kyo. Ear "Vose, 
'ihrout. Ki>e5ej»lic Fits, ^^tauunerin^i or ?>itutteri' g: in speecli. <'ross- 
Eyos. Catarjict, -*ertins. Sore i,yo«e. I>e 'fsiess. I>iscli'«rses ami i*tt ypiises 

of A'oseiiiul KurciifcMi * pO">!<.-l-..v«» cured. warrantH.i f„r life A rtiliciai Kyes, 

every vaiietv of color and «iyle insert'd wthoiit tut ting or pain. Having all tlie niov.nients 
and appearnnres of ilie Natural Ey»' ArSiflciul « ar Ikriiiiis inseit.d in a f»-\v niinnies, 
to restore Ilf>arillg'. I*el»ble S|»«'Ctacles. every slyl.-. qualiiy and priee, aeciirately 
fitted to the c-judition of tin- Sit;lit, t':yus and Head, wihoiu charge f^r examining the eyes. 

Send Tftt O'tils for n Booh worth $10. 

OFFICE AND INF.RMARY, tOO We^t Fourth Street, CINCINNATI, 0. 

N. B. — Persons at a di'^iance having a broken or damaged Eye or Specta- 
cles, can have another one sent without calling personally. 

THE VERY BEST OP REPEKENCES GIVEN. 

GEO. A. IIENDLIICKS. C. P. FAGaLEY. 

GEO. A, HENDRICKS & CO. 

forte in % Copper I M Iron, 

GALVANIZED IRON CORRICF, ETC. 
TIN .AND SLATE EOOFINQ. 

No. 6 Main Street, between Front and Water, 
CINCINNATI, OHIO. 



ADVKRTISEMENTS. 



159 



JOHN H. THUEMAN, 

House d ^mmM Sip Fahk 



NO. 43 EAST THIRD ST. 



Between Sycamore and Broadway, 



iisiffliKii 



Mr. Thurman, though only recently established in his business, 
has secured some quite important jobs^ one of which is the building 
on Fourth and Vine streets, occupied by T. W. Sprague & Co., 
including the signs, plain and ornamentaJ. Though his specialty is 

Ornamental & Pictorial Sign Painting, 

« 
He does all kinds of 



In Imitation of the various kinds of Wood, Marble, Etc. 



"VVe have had work done by him and recommend him to our 
friends. 



160 



SUBURBAN HOMES. 



T. B. E TEP. 



0. B. MEYER. 



S3TEP ^ METER, 




CASES AND CASKETS OF WOOD OR METAL. 
"•"'lAEsTtUo™: 241 West Ssveath Strest. 

STAB'F. Axn __^__ 214, 21S & 218 W. Seventli Street. 



WAUEKOOMS! 



CINCINNATI, OHIO. 



Can furnieh at short notice all binds and qualities of Wood and Metallic Cases and Cas- 
kets, White and Bl ick Jjhrouds. t^uiis of otliiiiff, Crapes, Gloves, RiOliuri, Velvet, etc., etc., 
on hiiQd at nnxlerHte prices. Hearse-' and Carriages <-f modern stiles, G«.0(i Horses and Care- 
ful Lrivtrs We lay {..articular atrentiou to ta>ir'P out the Qead, either iii<;bt or day. Kin- 
balmiiiit under a new piincii.le, requiriug no niiitilafion of tbe body. When ice is d. sir-o it 
will be ii-ied. We have a full c'>'ps of competent ashiHtHnts. I'arties f.n wMrdinjjc B-xli^s to 
this pcint fur iiiternieut will find us prompt iu respoudiug and will see that they are prop- 
erly cared for. 




ADVERTISEMENTS. 



161 



o-^2^:hi 3^^z:^:E3:Es. 




This machine does the work 
of four pair of hands, moving 
with a velocity only attained 
by machinery ' 

It mixes butter and lard 
without melting. 

It produces a superior arti- 
cle of cakes. 

Is a promoter of cleanli- 
ness, as it saves the necessity 
of handling the glutinous com- 
pound. 

Is an economizer of time, 
labor and materials. 
Family size, one gallon. 



To be had of 

M. Greenwood & Co. 

MANUFACTUREES, 

Or at the 
House FnrDishing Stores, 



ALEXANDER TODD, 

Iioveland, Ohio, 
Horses Hoarded. TUfDE STAKING. 



Coal for Sale. 



I.OVEL.AA'l>, OHEO, 

JDeiiler in DruffSf 3Iedicineif and Chemicals ^ Fancy and 
Toilet Articles, Sponges^ Brushes, JPerfumery , Mtc, 

Physicians' Prescriptions carefully compounded, and orders answered 
•with care and despatch. 

Office at the Drug Store. Residence in LOVELAND, 0. 



ALL KINDS OF PLASTERING. 



For particulars address at 



COZADDALE, O. 



MA.J3ISON^ MARBLE ^WORKS 

Monuments. Tombs and Orave Stones, Building' Stone of eTery 

description. Constitution Stone, a new and rare variety ofj, 

Building Stone, £:]eg:ant, Durable and Cbeap. 



161 



SUBURBAN HOMES. 




^«^iitt 



Lii mil m immim 

76 WEST THIRD STREET, SECOND FLOOR. 

The followin2; described property we have selected from a long^ 
list, as offering the greatest inducements to bujers, either for invest- 
ment or homes: 

Tn Columbia, — A two-story frame house, nearly new; six rooms, hall 
and kitchen and porticos; stable, chicken house, etc., etc., $3,000. Will 
exchange for Newport property. 

Jn A[adisonvill€.— Fiye building lots and two houses in Black's sub- 
division. Will sell one or all cheap. 

A desirable building lot near the station. 

Several pieces of property, improved and unimproved, and one hundred and 
twenty acres of Cornuelle's second subdivision, see page 164. 

A.t Norwood. — Frame house of six rooms, near the station, stable, car- 
penter shop, etc., $2,700. 

House and acre lot near Col. Lane's. House has seven rooms, stable, etc. 
Lot one acre in extent, price, $3,500. Easy payments. 

Three acres on Norwood heights. Will sell all or subdivide. A bargain. 

Oakley. — A great number of building lots offered on long time— five to- 
ten years. Genteel neighborhood and near to the city. 

Madeira, — Two two-story frame buildings; five and six rooms respect- 
ively, large lots, fruit, etc. 

Several building lots with fruit, near the station, offered very cheap. 

A four-room cottage, one-half an acre of ground. 

One house, seven rooms, abundance of fruit, $4,800. 

In Monlgoinery, — A frame house of nine rooms, well and cistern. A 
good business corner, especially for a tailor. Property will be sold at a sac- 
rifice, with privilege of several acres of ground. 

A frame house in Montgomery, fourteen rooms, now used as a hotel. Lot 
80x200. A large stable, wagon-shed, etc. Price only $3,500, if applied for 
«oon. No bonus for business. 

A cottage house of four rooms with lot 100 feet front, $800. Cheap. 
. A few vacant lots ranging from $8 lo $15 per front foot. 

An Omnibus Line is now established between the village and the station, 
and one on the turnpike road, by which Montgomery is only twelve from tho^ 
Court House. Property rapidly improving. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 163 



liraneh Hill, — A fine and valuable property is for sale here. Im- 
provements good. Limited sized farm. 

ZjOVeland, — Two new and finely furnished houses are for sale at this 
point. One with all the modern improvements, abundance of choice fruit» 
etc, $16,000; and another fine brick building of ten rooms, built in the 
most substantial manner by the proprietor for his own residence, and located 
on a four acre tract with shade trees full grown A beautiful place and 
oflFered at low figures, $9,000. Orchard, stable, lawn, etc., etc. 

Several houses in Loveland ; cheap 

A farm of one hundred acres of first class agricultural land, a mile and 
a half from the M. & 0. depot, and on the line of the road. Having engaged 
in a new business, the owner will sell cheap and on liberal terms 

Zodr, — A fine house with eighty acres of good land. This is a beautiful 
property located in this retired village, close to church and school-house. 
Zoar is 1^ miles from S. Lebanon and 3 miles from the Little Miami railroad 
at Morrow, $7,600. 

Hamilton, — Several business lots at $25 per front foot. 

Z/OcJcland, — On Wyoming Street, a business property. Will sell low, 
on easy terms, a double house of eight rooms, $1,500, cash and payments. 

dlenrfale — A fine piece of property for subdivision. Nineteen acres 
and improvements Will sell low for cash. 

Bliatnivillf. — Two-story frame house, 6 rooms, large lot, out-buildings, 
everything in fine condition, abundance of fruit, etc., $1,800. 

JC/imvood, — Near the station, house of 8 rooms, hall and attic, four 
acres, $10,000. 

3If, Wnfihington. — Cottage, five rooms, lot 36x176, tine improvements, 
fruit, etc , $1,800. 

Tndianm, — Miami County; farm, 160 acres, house, orchard, stable, etc. 
Belongs to a city business man who wants suburban property. Tracts in 
Brown and Stark counties. 

Tennessee, — A tract of 5,000 acres in Scott County, near the Southern 
Railroad, only $1 per acre in cash and payments ; might sell a little lower 
for all cash. 

Another tract of coal andiron Innd. Will sell one thousand acres in farms 
of one hundred acres, with privilege of minerals. Only $5 per acre. 

Two thousand seven hundred acres in 5,000 acre tracts in Morgan County, 
part on the line of the Southern Railroad. Surveyor's plat can be seen in 
our office. Great bargain, only $2.50 per acre. 

Illinois, — Eighty acres in Richland County, four miles west of Olney — 
prairie land — $25 per acre, cash. A farm of 150 acres, Kane County, and 
near Chicago, fine agricultural laud, a good place for a German farmer, 
$6,000 cash and payniei'lp. 

Totva. — Johnson County; 140^ acres on railroad and near Iowa City, 
$25 per ncre, cash. White county, farm of forty acres, very cheap, only 
$800, easy payments. 

Teocns, — Several thousand acres, improved and unimproved. Belongs to 
a business man who wants to transfer his interest to this city. Some of the 
finest pasture land in the world. 



164 



iUBDRBAN HOMES. 



i:isr BTJZLIDII^O LOTS 



Of One-Fifth of an Acre to Five Acres eaeb, in 



This is one of the largest tracts laid out for building purposes in 
the vicinity of the city, and at the same time one of the most beau- 
tiful. As will be seen by the plat and reference to the engraving of 
Madisonville, it lies on both sides of the railroad, rising gradually 
from nearly a dead level till it reaches the base of Indian Hill, and 
then by easy avenues mounts the hill to its summit. Most of the 
ground is thus high and dry and commands a magnificent viev7 of 
the basin of Oakly and Madisonville. Winding up the hill is the 
new avenue which is to cany the travel to the Montgomery road and 
Madeira; one of the finest drives, when finished, in the country. 

Will form another attractive feature of this new addition. This has 
been laid out on the north side of the turnpike road, where it is 
intersected by the M. & C. railroad. In the park will be a minia- 
ture lake with a fountain, which will be fed by a spring of thirty 
feet fall. 

Is also contemplated, which, with the new depot, will make this one 
of the most attractive places about Madisonville. 

Lois in this addition are for sale by 

ITBLaOir, :BOLL3a & CO. 

76 West Third Street, 

CINCINNA TI, O. 



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Louis Cornudk's kd IMmim 







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Norwood & Oakley. 

— • — *•» — ■ 

CHEAP HOMESI PROFITABLE INVESTMENTS! 



BUY A FIFTY FOOT LOT AND PAY FOR IT IN 

feeklj liMrnt o! !wo BoUars! 

■ — «•» — ■ 

ONLY FIFTY DOLLARS 

REQUIRED ON FIRST PAYMENT. 



\X7"E have a large number of desirable Lots in the above suburbs 
on the M. & C. Railroad, which we are offering on these ex- 
traordinarily favorable terms, and at prices which will in a few years 

Pay One Hundred Per Cent. Profit, 

most probably before the last payment becomes due. 

The close proximity of Norwood and Oakley to the city, and the 
sure and rapid strides of the city in that direction make such a pre- 
diction almost certain. The recent sale of L, C. Hopkins, Esq., of 
118 lots at Norwood has made sure that suburban property is in de- 
mand, and that improvements will be commenced forthwith and con- 
tinue unabated. In no direction can a home be found so cheaply 
and possessing so great advantages. 

M SGkools, CUss anl Scdeiy Ulr^aly Ulisligl. 

Ten accommodation trains daily, to suit all classes. The railroad 
is double track and perfectly safe. Cars comfortable in every re- 
spect, and fares low. 

For plats and further particulars inquire of 

NELSON, BOLLES & CO: 

76 West Third Street (2d Floor). 













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